Afghanistan to Anakiwa - An Outward Bound Course for Former Refugee Women

On Monday, the group of 14 wāhine who were part of the first refugee background Outward Bound watch farewelled Outward Bound after what was an amazing 8 day course. I had the privilege of joining the group for the final couple of days and it was so special to be part of their wonder at what they had achieved. They had sailed the cutter, completed the high ropes, been in the water everyday with some of the wāhine going into the sea for a first time this year, walked 12kms after a 2 hour waka ama session and had their solo experience. For so many of the women it was the first time they really felt that they had had time to themselves - both an exhilarating and anxiety provoking situation. The wāhine had a real "can do" attitude in those final days. A reminder to me how incredible Outward Bound is. Hopeful this is the first of many similar courses - all made possible because of your generous support to get the wāhine to Anakiwa. So thank you for being part of this journey. It has meant a lot to the wāhine. With appreciation, tashakur, thank you. Sue