Going Places - support an 11yr old NZ refugee

11-year old Ray and his family (Mum, Dad and little brother) are Karen refugees from Myanmar (Burma). His Mum Lah and Dad Yee grew up listening to the sound of guns and conflict as part of daily life. They had to flee their home twice when soldiers arrived to murder all people in their village and burn it down. They had to settle in a refugee camp where they lived for 28yrs.

The family were lucky to come to New Zealand as refugees 6 years ago and are proud to have become NZ citizens. When they first arrived, they could hardly speak English but now the two young boys are thriving at Waterloo primary school . The Mum and Dad work part-time at Naenae College as teacher-aides - Yee in the special needs unit and Lah helping new Karen refugee families learn English and settle into the Kiwi way of life. Rarely would you meet such friendly, giving people.

As part of their Karen Buddhist culture, it is important that Ray completes 1-week's training to become a novice monk. This is a very special part of a boy's upbringing and a big deal for the family.

They are such an honest, kind family who are so happy to have made a new home here in New Zealand. They arrived with nothing and still do not have much. Please help them to briefly return overseas and have their family surround them as they celebrate this important milestone in Ray's cultural journey.