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Help a refugee learn English

  • Update for 19/03/2014

      19 March 2014

    gWhen I first came to New Zealand my English was not goodh says Gulchehra. gI remember I was at the bus stop and a lady talked to me and said eOh, today is lovely weatherf but I didnft know how to answer. Then I left the bus stop. After that, if I saw someone at the bus stop I would never go thereh. When Gulchehra arrived five years ago, she felt enormously isolated. Originally from Afghanistan, she spoke very little English. Communicating was nearly impossible. Gulchehra started working with Sunita, her volunteer home tutor from English Language Partners. Thanks to Sunita, Gulchehra can now talk about her love of gardening and cooking. Shefs happy to chat at the bus stop and take part in her new country. Shefs becoming a real Kiwi. Gulchehra says everything is easier now. gI can go to the doctorfs or to the shops and talk to people. I feel confident to go everywhere in Wellington and I might go to Auckland soonh. The confidence to speak English has expanded Gulchehrafs world. Every day people struggle to make themselves understood. The most basic things, like catching a bus, talking to their doctor or simply buying groceries can feel overwhelming for many refugees and migrants. Itfs important to Gulchehra that she can join in and feel included, and itfs really important to us too. We help refugees and migrants learn English so they can have the best possible start in our country. Sadly, we're not reaching everyone who needs our help. Your donation today will mean more refugees and migrants will learn the English they need to live successfully as new New Zealanders.

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