We recently had the pleasure of celebrating the graduates of the Safari West Multicultural Playgroup. Congratulations to all the families who are growing and moving on to new adventures! We’re so pleased we could support this initiative and be a part of your journey to life in Aotearoa. It was a joy to see your smiling faces and learn about how you thrive through play, learning, and friendship.
Safari West Multicultural Playgroup is one of six Safari playgroups across Auckland designed to support migrant and refugee backgrounds, women and their children aged 0–5. Playgroups offer a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment where children explore, learn, and play, and Mums can find support, community, and opportunities to grow.
Each morning, Mums and their tamariki arrive ready to enjoy a wide variety of play experiences:
- Painting and craft
- Construction play
- Water play
- Family role play
- Puzzles
- Climbing and sandpit adventures
- Playdough fun…and so much more!
The wonderful team of staff and volunteers is there to guide and support the day, ensuring that everyone, especially the little ones, feel safe, engaged, and happy.
To make it easier for families to attend, Belong Aotearoa provide a van transport service for Mums and kids, asking only a small koha. Importantly, there is no attendance fee, Safari playgroups are completely free.
Belong Aotearoa provide a space where women are supported and entire families flourish. That’s why they also offer:
- Free English classes (1–2 times per week, for all levels)
- Educational sessions on parenting, health, and community resources
- Trips and outings to parks, zoos, museums and more
- Festival celebrations including Eid, Diwali, and Christmas
- Graduation parties to mark key milestones
- And most importantly, a chance for Mums to build friendships and share their journey with others.
In March 2024, Belong Aotearoa’s West Multicultural Playgroup was awarded a grant of $81,420.00 from The Trusts to support their Safari Wrap-around Service. This funding helps to continue providing holistic, accessible support to migrant and refugee background families in West Auckland. We’re incredibly grateful to be able to invest in this mahi and community.
Once again, a heartfelt congratulations to the graduates—we are so proud of you!
