1 December 2008
Early Childhood Education Services for Migrant and Refugee Communities
It is not always easy to settle in a new country. The biggest challenge is knowing where to find all the information
that you automatically knew in your own country. Settlement Support New Zealand is a government-funded initiative
designed to help newcomers and their families to settle into their own local community. One of the barriers is
understanding the Early Childhood Education system in New Zealand.
“It is important that parents of young children from migrants and refugee background and service providers who work with
the communities understand what is available to them from governmental and non-governmental organisations within their
local community,” says Bevan Chuang, Settlement Support Coordinator – Auckland City. “And it is important that
Settlement Support New Zealand can provide such information.”
A presentation on Early Childhood Education focusing on migrant and refugee communities will take place on Tuesday, 2nd
December 2008, at Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings from 10am – 1pm.
A number of governmental and non-governmental organisations such as Ministry of Education, Office of The Children’s
Commissioner, Hospital Play Specialists Association, Plunket, Auckland Regional Migrant Services and Barnardos will be
presenting.
ENDS