Tuesday 18 March 1997

Refugees and New Migrants

Christchurch City Council's Children's Advocate, Lyn Campbell, has initiated meetings with some of the key people working in the area of Refugees and New Migrants to ensure that better provision is made for the arrival of up to 280 more Somali refugees, and to strengthen the city's infrastructure for new settlers.

Concern has been expressed over the need to provide for a quality orientation programme in Christchurch. Many of the expected refugees will have been in camps in Kenya for up to 6 years. Children will have had no formal schooling for this period and will need specialised assistance.

The Christchurch City Council's concern is to ensure that families are able to be happily reunified and contribute positively to the multicultural tapestry of the city. It will require increased funding by a variety of government units if we are to meet the needs of these families under the requirements of the U. N. Convention.

Orientation proposals include cultural induction, health and ESOL support, assistance for teachers, conflict resolution, language nests, housing support, employment skills.

A presentation will be made to the Community Services Committee of the Council to help councillors understand the issues on April 7 1997 at 4.00 pm.

Lyn Campbell
Children's Advocate
Christchurch City Council
P O Box 237
CHRISTCHRUCH

Ph. 03 941 8780
Fax 03 941 8786

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