Refugee student to represent NZ in Taekwan-Do

My name is Samrawit. I came to NZ from Ethiopia last year under the Refugee Reunification category. And now I go to High School. I gained NCEA Level One last year. I am motherless and fatherless because my Mom and Dad died of malaria when I was a child just four years of age. It is one of the most killer diseases in Ethiopia.

My grandmother looked after me and my two brothers and one sister. She distilled alcohol but she became blind because of the smoke. We despaired our life. But one day God gave us a sign." Our auntie who migrated Sudan sent a money for you to move to New Zealand because she had got a refuge quota. We exited and jumped over because it was a great opportunity for us. Finally after a long process my ante adopted us and she brought us in New Zealand in 2014. Now we are a residence of New Zealand with a very peaceful people and country. Thanks for the New Zealand government.

My Dad was a teacher. He always advised me to be a clever student and wanted me to be a doctor, but my Mom wanted me to be a martial arts expert against my Dad wishes. "As a female you have to defend yourself from male assault, "Mum said. Sadly, in my country rape is common. A lot of children are kidnaped or abdvecated and had sex involuntary or by force. Another bad culture in Ethiopia was early child marriage. At age 10 or 11 usually girls get married. This is difficult for women and so many children died of fistula.

I am trying to succeed both my parents’ wishes. I want to be a nurse! I trained in Taekwan-Do for 6 years. I was awarded first Dan (black belt) in 2013. Now I can defend myself from male assault and others danger thing. I can even teach my friends. Especially when I got to Ethiopia I would like to teach girls who are equivalent to my age.

In July I have a chance to go to the tournament for taekwondo in Australia. My team is called Victoria University Taekwan-do club. I need help or a sponsorship because I can’t afford the $2000. But I want to represent my new country New Zealand. This opportunity can change my life but I need to pay for the visa now.

Funding will be used for flights, accommodation, event registration, tracksuit, meals and other travel expenses.

Thank you for helping me.