The University of Waikato is enhancing its engagement with the migrant and former refugee community, striving to create a safe and inclusive environment in tertiary education.
Event attendees outside the wharenui.
High school students with backgrounds as recent migrants or refugees from across Hamilton were invited to an inaugural event on campus to provide a glimpse into university life, offer networking opportunities, and help build a supportive community through higher education.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley says education is a powerful tool for change, and by promoting diversity, we enrich the learning experience for everyone.
The contributions of migrant and refugee students are invaluable to our university community.
Students heard a keynote speech from University Pro-Chancellor Susan Hassall, and from Damascus Buhendwa, a first-year electronic engineering student whose family fled the Democratic Republic of Congo nearly six years ago.
“Pursuing higher education as a refugee in New Zealand is incredibly important to me,” Damascus told students. “It’s not about earning a degree; it’s about gaining the skills and knowledge to build a better life.
“Higher education opens doors to opportunities that can help break the cycle of poverty and instability that many refugees face.”
Speaker Damascus Buhendwa addresses the crowd.
The attendees shared their experiences, toured the campus, and participated in a panel discussion.
Idil Khalif, Refugee Recruitment Support staff member who completed a Law degree at the University, says migrant and refugee students experience major issues and barriers when entering tertiary education.
“There’s often a lack of sense of belonging when migrants and refugees come to New Zealand, especially in tertiary education. We need to change that narrative by implementing strategies to support these students,” she says.
“My family came to New Zealand from Somalia as refugees. Born and raised in Hamilton, I didn’t realise my parents had it so tough. They hid it from us; they didn’t want us to see how challenging life can be. They always told us to do well in school for a better future,” she says.
“I’m trying to change this for other families out there, to encourage them to choose education and build a good life for themselves.”
The University of Waikato is committed to improving the economic and social wellbeing of the migrant and refugee community in Hamilton and Waikato. This was reinforced by the signing of a new strategic partnership with the Hamilton Multicultural Services Trust in 2022.
