After being accepted I made the hard decision to temporarily leave my 2 year old son so there would be a future for my both my children. I arrived in NZ and not long after had my second child. Whilst others reached out to support me initially, I was very much alone. With health complications since my second birth, refugee friends leaving to other countries, a 4 year delay with my first child’s immigration, and the pressures of looking after a new-born, I was very depressed.

I was really isolated and unhappy but that all changed when I joined WISE. I was visiting my lawyer when I decided to check it out and have loved it ever since. I feel like I am alive now.

Thanks to WISE I was given an employment opportunity as an interpreter. Currently I’m working on becoming a licensed interpreter and starting up an aerobics class for women like me in my community whose health has taken a toll from similar situations.

Being a part of WISE I’ve gained so much. My mind is clearer as I’m able to hear and share with others my struggles, learn new things, gain new friends and support, gain opportunities and more importantly slowly make my way back to my old self. I’m happy and confident and stepping outside my comfort shell to continue learning and give the support I didn’t receive to others in the community.

Although I had many struggles getting to and starting life in NZ, thanks to WISE I can now not only see a bright future for my children but also for myself. I’m so excited for what the New Year has to bring.