A newly developed programme from Flock, The Toroa Project hopes to offer support to people with refugee backgrounds who are keen to join a creative community group but lack the confidence and community connections necessary to do so.
Funded by New Zealand Lottery grants and supported by Refugees As Survivors (RASNZ) The Toroa Project will run as a pilot programme for six months in 2021 working alongside six individuals from within the former refugee community, pairing them with volunteers from creative community groups such as choirs, dance, theatre and craft groups.
The name Toroa was chosen because the wandering albatross seemed an apt description of the refugee journey across the globe. Just like the toroa, it is hoped that a friendly local will become a buddy and help to settle those who have been forcibly displaced into a community group where they can find a new passion or perhaps return to a beloved arts practice.
Kiwi’s are known for their hospitality and this programme aims to utilise that, inviting people from specifically chosen community groups to buddy up with the candidate, transport them to class if necessary and act as a support person for up to six months. Flock are hopeful this programme can go some way to easing that transition and maybe creating some new friendships along the way.
If you have someone in mind that may benefit from this project, please contact the programme producer, Amelia Yiakmis at amelia@flock.nz ~ 0220919566.
Funded by New Zealand Lottery grants and supported by Refugees As Survivors (RASNZ) The Toroa Project will run as a pilot programme for six months in 2021 working alongside six individuals from within the former refugee community, pairing them with volunteers from creative community groups such as choirs, dance, theatre and craft groups.
The name Toroa was chosen because the wandering albatross seemed an apt description of the refugee journey across the globe. Just like the toroa, it is hoped that a friendly local will become a buddy and help to settle those who have been forcibly displaced into a community group where they can find a new passion or perhaps return to a beloved arts practice.
Kiwi’s are known for their hospitality and this programme aims to utilise that, inviting people from specifically chosen community groups to buddy up with the candidate, transport them to class if necessary and act as a support person for up to six months. Flock are hopeful this programme can go some way to easing that transition and maybe creating some new friendships along the way.
If you have someone in mind that may benefit from this project, please contact the programme producer, Amelia Yiakmis at amelia@flock.nz ~ 0220919566.