Educators to play a key role in refugee resettlement

Media Release | For immediate release |10 May 2016

Porirua teachers are soon to receive a briefing on how the education sector can help with

the resettlement of new refugees in the community. Porirua has recently opened its arms

to a number of Syrian families and these numbers are soon to increase.

Hosted by Partners Porirua, a teacher’s breakfast on 19 May will hear from Constable

Philip Pithyou, the Wellington District Ethnic Liaison Co-ordinator from New Zealand

Police who will share some best practice around resettlement issues with a particular

focus on the education sector. Representatives from the City and Partnerships team at

Porirua City Council, Ministry of Education, Red Cross and Partners Porirua will also be

on hand to answer questions.

Partners Porirua regularly hosts teacher breakfasts as part of its mission to bring together

education, business and community. The breakfasts are an opportunity to brief teachers

and principals about relevant opportunities, issues and concerns for the community as a

whole. Previous topics have included youth employment, justice, career opportunities and

celebrations of education and business partnerships.

Michelle Robinson of Partners Porirua said “we believe that teachers and schools can

play a key part in helping new residents to understand the way we do things, and where to

refer people for assistance. Constable Pithyou is a fantastic presenter and will share some

hints and tips about how to make new people feel at home, and settled here in Porirua.”

ENDS