A number of issues of relevance to the upcoming generation formed the core topics at a Youth Leadership Conference held in Wellington last month.
Organised by the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils, the Conference attracted young participants from all over the country.
The young leaders, nominated by their local Multicultural Councils, attended workshops, presentations and discussion groups at the three-day event held in Kilbernie from March 16 to 18, 2012.
Among the highlights of the programme was the launch of a ‘Resource Kit.’
“We have been working on this Resource Kit for the past three years under the guidance of Project Leader Arti Prasad Naidu. We hope it would benefit our young members,” Youth Council President Arish Naresh said.
Useful package
He said the Kit aimed to provide a ‘one stop shop’ of all the potentially useful information for ethnic youth.
“The Kit would hopefully enable them to live and thrive in New Zealand. It contains basic information an ethnic migrant or refugee youth needs to know before arriving in New Zealand,” he said.
According to Arish, the Kit addresses many issues confronted by ethnic youth, including the working and living conditions in the country, procedures for obtaining various entry permits, how to open a bank account, how to obtain a driving license and such other useful information.
“The Kit contains 20 chapters, at the end of each of which relevant website addresses and telephone contacts are featured. The Kit will be useful to other ethnic groups as well,” he said.
Ann Dysart, a Manager at the Social Development Ministry launched the Kit at the Conference. Among those present at the event were Federation President Tayo Agunelika, New Zealand Police Acting Inspector Rakesh Naidoo, Families Commission Ethnic Reference Group Chairman Gregory Fortuin, Youth Council Vice-President Ephraim Gazo and Resource and Technology Coordinator Vishal Prasad and other officials of ministries and government agencies.
From a report by Arish Naresh, Youth President, Youth Council of the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils. Email: acnaresh@hotmail.com
