Abdinz

This weekend, I had the privilege of gathering with a group of former refugees from East Africa at Coffee Culture in Hamilton. What made this meetup truly special wasn’t just the coffee—it was the opportunity to hear inspiring stories of migration, resilience, and gratitude. These men and women, hailing from Somalia, Eritrea, Kenya, and Ethiopia, shared their unique journeys of fleeing hardship and building new lives in New Zealand.

Migration Stories: From East Africa to New Zealand

As we settled into the warm, cozy atmosphere of the café, the stories began to flow. Some members of the group had resettled in New Zealand as early as the 1990s, while others arrived as late as the 2010s. Listening to them reflect on their migration experiences, I couldn’t help but marvel at the strength and courage it took to leave their homes and navigate the challenges of resettlement.

Bashir Abdi, who fled Somalia in 1990, recounted how he arrived in New Zealand with little more than hope for a better future. Today, he beams with pride as he speaks of his children—his eldest daughter recently graduated from the University of Waikato, a testament to the opportunities New Zealand has provided. This theme of education as a key success factor echoed across the group, with many sharing how their children have thrived in New Zealand’s school system.

Opportunities in Education and Healthcare

It was clear that education and healthcare were at the heart of many success stories. Several group members, who had little to no access to quality education in East Africa, expressed their deep gratitude for the free and high-quality education available to their children here. For instance, Adam from Eritrea, who arrived in 2005, shared his immense pride in watching her two sons complete university degrees—something he could have never imagined while living in Eritrea.

Healthcare was another critical aspect of their journeys to New Zealand. Access to reliable and affordable healthcare transformed the lives of many in the group, particularly those who came from countries where healthcare was often inaccessible. Amani, originally from Congo, arrived in New Zealand in 2010 and spoke about how her family’s quality of life drastically improved thanks to the healthcare system. “In East Africa, we couldn’t afford proper treatment. Here, my children are growing up strong and healthy, thanks to the support we receive,” she said with a smile.

Giving Back to New Zealand Communities

As the conversations deepened, I was struck by how much these former refugees appreciate the opportunities they’ve been given in New Zealand. Not only are they thankful for the support in education and healthcare, but they are also committed to giving back to the communities that welcomed them. Several members of the group have taken active roles in community service, helping new refugees transition into their lives in New Zealand, just as they once did.

Liban from Somalia, who arrived in 1998, shared his experience of volunteering at a refugee resettlement center. “New Zealand gave us a second chance,” he said. “Now, it’s our duty to help others who are just starting their journeys.” His sentiment was shared by many others, as they discussed their involvement in mentoring programs, local charities, and initiatives aimed at supporting refugee and migrant communities.

Gratitude and New Beginnings

Throughout the gathering, one message stood out above all else: gratitude. These former refugees from Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia are not only grateful for the safety and opportunities New Zealand has provided, but also for the chance to start anew and contribute to their new homeland. Their journeys, marked by hardship and perseverance, have led them to a place where they can build better lives for their families while actively participating in New Zealand society.

As we wrapped up the afternoon, one of the men from Eritrea said, “New Zealand is more than a safe haven. It is our home now, and we are proud to be part of it.” Her words were a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the beauty of migration—how people can leave behind their pasts, carry their experiences, and create something new in a foreign land.

A Shared Experience

Leaving Coffee Culture, I couldn’t help but feel uplifted by the stories I had heard. Meeting with these former refugees reminded me that migration is more than just a physical journey—it is an emotional and transformative experience. These individuals, from across East Africa, have overcome incredible challenges and found a new beginning in New Zealand, a country that has welcomed them with open arms.

Their stories of thriving in education, accessing healthcare, and giving back to the community serve as a testament to the positive impact migration can have—not just for individuals, but for the countries that open their doors. This meeting was a humbling reminder of how, when given the opportunity, people can flourish and contribute in meaningful ways.

As we parted ways, I felt a renewed sense of hope. The journey of migration may be long and difficult, but with the right support and opportunities, it can lead to remarkable new beginnings. It was a privilege to hear their stories, and I look forward to seeing how they continue to shape the future of New Zealand’s diverse, multicultural community.