On Friday, Jody gave her keynote presentation. It was highly successful and was very well-received. Not surprising as she humanizes her research into the refugee experience with many personal comments from refugee children.
Following Jody's presentation, we were given a tour of the Mangere Refugee Center in Auckland where new refugees experience six weeks of orientation into NZ culture. We had a chance to hear personal stories of refugees and their struggles escaping from dangerous environments in their war-torn home countries. While saddened at having to leave their original homes, they are thankful to have found such a multi-cultural home in NZ where they are accepted and can rebuild their lives.
Jody with many of the Auckland staff of the Ministry Of Education.