1. Young people from refugee backgrounds Strengths, challenges & opportunities Kirsten Le Harivel, Ara Taiohi

2. About Ara Taiohi To support people who work with young people, and thereby enhance youth development so that young people thrive.

4. Total Population of Aotearoa New Zealand 4.6 million

5. Strengths & Challenges CULTURES & IDENTITIES FAMILY LANGUAGE SAFETY & SECURITY SPORT & RECREATION SOCIAL ACTIVITIES ACCESS TO MAINSTREAM SERVICES YOUTH DEVELOPMENT HOUSING EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT HEALTH ID & DOCUMENTATION

6. Positive youth development A country where young people are vibrant and optimistic through being supported and encouraged to take up challenges.

7. Positive youth development

8. Family/Whānau School Training Work Peers Community SOCIAL ECONOMIC CULTURAL CONTEXTS 1. Shaped by the ‘big picture’ Provisions enshrined in mainstream policy/services Consistent funding Family needs considered with young people’s needs VALUES/BELIEF SYSTEMS TREATY OF WAITANGI INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS Equal by right, different by sight New Zealanders & Tauiwi too UNCROC

9. Family/Whānau School Training Work Peers Community 2. Being connected Visible Support & understanding to achieve in New Zealand Opportunities to make friends Accessible info Previous experiences recognised/validated Opportunities to establish networks Being recognised for walking in multiple cultural contexts Liked for who they are Role models/pathways

10. Family/Whānau School Training Work Peers Community 3. Quality relationships Student Child Former refugee or child or parents who were refugees Friend Grandchild African Sudanese Singer Soccer player Accountant Leader Sister Partner Learner New Zealander Immigrant

11. Family/Whānau School Training Work Peers Community 4. Strengths-based approach Celebrate strengths gained from previous experiences Recognising changes experienced by young people in new environment and supporting development Recognises multiple literacies Friendships build confidence, sense of belonging and community Learning spaces build confidence

12. Family/Whānau School Training Work Peers Community 5. Effective youth participation Encouraged to engage in school life Opportunity to participate in family decision making Equal voice with peers Role in shaping school environment Range of opportunities available

13. Family/Whānau School Training Work Peers Community 6. Needs good information Systemic ongoing professional development and awareness raising for people working with young people Research to identify what works Be considered in mainstream policy/research Enable separation and connection of refugee with other tauiwi needs & marginalised groups

14. Positive youth development approach can ground practice with young people to ensure all young people from refugee backgrounds thrive in New Zealand