Settling in a new country has always had its good and not so good aspects.

These can range from the challenge of learning the language of the country so that one can communicate, finding the relevant services or even catching a bus or a taxi. The list is not exhaustive. This is my experience; and in fact, it has shaped up my journey here in New Zealand.

I am a migrant, based in Christchurch and work part time at Hagley. I am a mother of three and have had quite a journey of getting to know the wonderful people of Ōtautahi (Christchurch), discovering the beautiful places it has to offer and just settling in. But it hasn’t been an easy journey and I am sure many others will relate to this. It is while reflecting on our personal journey in New Zealand, with a group of friends, that the idea of setting up a group to help alleviate the challenges came up. The Mixing Bowl Project is in fact the name of the group.

The Mixing Bowl is a space for single mothers and women, who are predominantly from refugee and migrant backgrounds, and who are eager to come together and share their experience/skills for mutual empowerment. This mutual empowerment helps alleviate the hurdles often linked to the settlement process. Our main targets are single mothers with young children, who may feel isolated or disconnected with limited family and community connections here in Christchurch. The aim of the group is to reach out to them, to be a sister, a friend, a family by choice, a home away from their home. Beyond, we offer activities that will help them settle better here in New Zealand. 

One of the activities in view is the co-organisation with some Hagley College staff, of a social gathering with Hagley College students from refugee and migrant backgrounds. We aim at holding it fortnightly, from 12.30 to 1.45 pm. We will have our first gathering on Friday 4 September in C2 room. This will be an opportunity to share a light refreshment with the group and to connect. But over the following fortnights, we will introduce the Reading Together programme, which aims at helping parents understand the benefits of reading with and/or to their children. We also aim at liaising with Pegasus Health to teach parents good skills in wellbeing management. Other useful activities will be gradually implemented as we connect better with the group.

If this vision resonates with you, please come along and let’s build together that space for mutual strengthening. Our contact email address is wagmi2001@yahoo.fr.