Hope Worldwide-Pakistan lives up to its name by offering hope, friendship, and hands-on support to former refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in The West.
The registered charity is part of a worldwide network and was set up in New Zealand in 2017. ‘We work to improve the lives of newcomers as they find their place within Auckland’s vibrant communities,’ declares Chief Executive Officer Dr Khurram Malik.
Hope runs a wide range of programmes, events and activities from its base in Henderson. The programme is designed to help refugees and immigrants settle into their new lives and connect them to a support network. Dr Malik explains that many new arrivals face social isolation as language barriers get in the way. Hope provides friendship and a ready-made community with BBQs, days out, cultural events and much more.
The organisation also offers practical help with a food parcel service. Hope delivers around 6,000 food parcels every year to families and individuals who would otherwise face hardship. There’s also advice and support for new arrivals navigating housing, benefits and healthcare systems.
Furthermore, Hope’s mission covers promoting cultural understanding and dialogue between different communities. ‘We are committed to building strong connections and understanding between Māori and other ethnic groups, including refugees and asylum seekers,’ advises Dr Malik.
Hope has organised several visits to Glen Eden’s Hoani Waititi Marae. Participants get to experience Māori culture up close with a traditional pōwhiri followed by a hāngī, cultural performances and a guided tour. It’s the perfect way to introduce new arrivals to New Zealand’s culture and heritage while also having a fun experience.
Last year, Hope added a new event to the cultural programme: a trip to Waitangi. The visit to the beautiful Treaty Grounds at Waitangi, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed, complimented the series of workshops organised by Hope around the Treaty. Participants came away with a much better understanding of the Treaty and how it underpins life in New Zealand.
Hope’s vital work in promoting cultural understanding and supporting former refugees and immigrants was made possible by $20,000 from the 2024 Your West Support Fund.
‘Thanks to the help, we have been able to extend our outreach work so that many more new arrivals experience the wide-ranging cultural, educational and social benefits,’ declares Dr Malik. Hope Worldwide-Pakistan is located at 176A Lincoln Road.
Visit the website to find out more about this fantastic organisation. And if you have a few hours to spare, why not get involved as a volunteer?
