Shifting the narrative on refugee and migrant experiences

Storytelling through photography.

KiwiClass CEO, Elizabeth Young.

“The role a KiwiClass educator plays is so much more than just teaching English language. They are trusted mentors and confidants for our students” says Elizabeth Young, KiwiClass Multicultural Support Services’ Chief Executive.

“They help at every touchpoint of a former refugee or migrants’ settlement journey in New Zealand; from helping to navigate the New Zealand transport system to accessing key services."

Building key skills

Established in 1995 as MCLaSS (Multicultural Learning and Support Services), KiwiClass empowers former refugees and migrants to reach their goals while developing their English language skills. 

"Our integrative approach means that our programmes have both tangible and intangible outcomes for students. While a tangible outcome would be securing employment or improving key English literacy skills, we also aim to build confidence and galvanise our students' sense of cultural identity as they navigate their settlement journey" says Elizabeth. 

Reframing Refugee and Migrant experiences

The brainchild of KiwiClass Board Member, former refugee, Afnan Al-Rubayee, Storytelling through Photography offers the opportunity for young people to channel their creativity, learn valuable technical photography skills and bring their stories alive while shifting the narrative on refugee and migrant experiences.

KiwiClass Multicultural Support Services’ Board Member, Afnan Al-Rubayee.

Afnan says, "more often than not, refugees and migrants are denied the opportunity to tell their own stories. As a result, the narrative is skewed and is typically presented with an underpinning 'victim' focus. This project will empower students to tell their own unique stories with the hope that their work reframes this narrative on a wider scale."

Comprised of eight workshops facilitated by PhD media students, writing tutors and a registered social worker, young people will have the opportunity to learn technical photographic skills while honing their creative and storytelling sensibilities. "We hope that with the creative autonomy this project offers, it will unlock a student's dare to dream and show them the breadth of possibilities for their professional and personal lives going forward," says Afnan.

Students taking part in a Storytelling through Photography session | KiwiClass Multicultural Support Services.

Crucial Funding

Nikau Foundation was thrilled to support Storytelling through Photography, issuing a grant of $5000 to assist with programme delivery costs. Elizabeth said, "this funding was crucial to ensure the project went ahead and this amazing experience could be delivered to our students." 

The students’ finished works will be available to view publicly in conjunction with Wellington's World Refugee Day Festival on the 19th of June. While the exhibition venue is currently TBC, one certainty is the powerful statement the exhibition will make and the resounding impact Stories through Photography will have on students and members of the public alike.  

To find out more about KiwiClass, click here.