Team
Board of Trustees
Fahima Muse is a dedicated occupational therapist and an active member of the New Zealand
National Refugee Youth Council (NZNRYC). Originally from Somalia, Fahima moved to New
Zealand with her family under the refugee quota. Her background as a refugee has fueled her
passion for supporting and empowering youth within the community.
Fahima has extensive experience working in various government departments, including
Oranga Tamariki and ACC. Her professional journey reflects her commitment to helping others
and advocating for youth.
During her time as a youth leader, Fahima led various projects in Auckland to support youth.
She believes in the power of mentorship and has mentored numerous youth, helping them
navigate their personal and professional challenges.
Recently appointed as a trustee of the NZNRYC, Fahima is eager to contribute to the
organisation’s mission and aims to continue making a positive impact on the lives of young
people from refugee backgrounds.
Yibeth Morales Ayala is a passionate young leader. Yibeth arrivbe in New Zealand in 2014
under the refugee quota. Yibeth has recenly Recently appointed as a trustee on the board of
the Refugee Youth Council, Yibeth is dedicated to advocating for refugee rights and community
empowerment.
Since she arrive in New Zealand, she has been a stong advocate for her community. In 2016
she joined the New Zealand National Refugee Youth Council (NZNRYC)as a refugee youth
leader. Duringh her time in the council she run a number of debelpment proharmems of
refugee youth. She had the first welling refugee youth led radio show where she had weekl;y
radion shows conencitng and adcoating for the needs of refugee youth.
ibeth’s advocacy efforts include speaking at Parliament in 2017 to successfully advocate for
an increase in the refugee quota. She has been featured in various publications, including the
Education Gazette Magazine and Capital magazine, for her work as a refugee advocate.
Passionate about youth development, social change, and advocacy, Yibeth continues to
actively engage in initiatives that empower young people and promote cultural
understanding.
Currently employed at Red Cross as a Youth Settlement Worker, Yibeth focuses on creating
inclusive youth programs and supporting young refugees aged 11 to 25 in their settlement
process. She mentors youth, fosters community connections, and promotes mental health
awareness, collaborating closely with other organizations to provide comprehensive support
to refugee youth.
Mohanarathy is a first-year Law and Arts student at the University of Otago, originally from Auckland. She is an active member of the New Zealand National Refugee Youth Council (NZNRYC). Born in Sri Lanka, she moved to New Zealand with her father under the refugee quota from Indonesia and was later reunited with her family.
Her experience as a refugee has driven her passion to support others from refugee backgrounds. This commitment has inspired her to pursue a career in law, with a focus on immigration law, aiming to advocate for refugees and contribute to making New Zealand a better home for them. Mohanarathy is dedicated to giving back to the community that has supported her journey.
Originally from Yemen and Somalia, she spent her early years in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, gaining a unique understanding of the challenges faced by refugee youth. Currently completing her final semester in Educational Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington, Samah also works in inclusive education.
With a passion for creating environments where refugee youth can thrive, she seeks to use her expertise to shape programmes that address their developmental and educational needs. Samah is committed to supporting the Council’s mission to empower and advocate for refugee youth across New Zealand.
Staff members
Youth Leader Profiles
Auckland
I am a first-generation Somali in New Zealand pursuing a degree in social work. With a deep
commitment to community empowerment and inclusivity, I work as a refugee youth leader with
the New Zealand National Refugee Youth Council in Auckland. My focus is on bridging cultural,
linguistic, and religious barriers to create meaningful support systems for refugee youth.
Through my studies and leadership, I aim to foster environments that empower young refugees,
champion diversity, and build stronger, more connected communities. Hamdi Ahmed
My name is Hanifa, and I come from Afghanistan. I am currently in my last year of high
school. As a former refugee, I understand the unique challenges that come with adapting to
a new country. Throughout my time in New Zealand, I have been actively involved in my
community, helping other young refugees adjust to their new environment. I have also been
involved in leadership roles both within and outside my school, working to support and
empower fellow students.
Being selected as a youth leader for the NZNRYC is an honour. I am eager to contribute to
our community by advocating for educational support and providing a voice for young
refugees facing similar challenges. I believe that through perseverance and community
support, we can create a more inclusive environment where all young refugees can achieve
their dreams.
I’m Suraya from Afghanistan. Nature lover, passionate photographer, and forever curious about life’s mysteries.
Hamilton
My name is Alliance Mwamikazi. I was born and raised in a refugee camp in Rwanda but
I am originally Congolese. Currently living in Hamilton. I am pursuing studies in Early
Childhood Education. My background as a refugee has ignited a deep passion within me
to support individuals from refugee backgrounds, particularly the youth in my community.
I hold a strong belief in their potential to thrive and empower them to reach their full
potential.
Hi, There,
My name is Damas Buhendwa (Damascus). I’m a 20-year-old refugee from Uganda,
originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I arrived in New Zealand with my aunt’s
family through Immigration New Zealand. I was enrolled at Hamilton Boys’ High School in
2020, where I studied levels 2 and 3, graduating in 2022. I am pursuing my bachelor’s in
electrical engineering at the University of Waikato. I recently completed a master’s certificate
in intercultural communication and applied translation at Victoria University of Wellington.
While at Hamilton Boys’ High School, where I attended secondary school, I was deeply
enamoured with the school’s environment, services, and opportunities. I led various groups,
including a tutor group in my last year and the Multicultural Manaaki Centre (MMC), and
participated in sports like football and badminton. I also mentored year-9 students, ensuring
they were aware of school information and on top of their academics and homework.
Academically, I have received the Premier Minister’s Excellent Award for my outstanding
skills during my work placement with Fiesst Electrical Group.
Since I came to New Zealand, I have immensely delved into New Zealand culture
competently, as it is very open and adaptable compared to my background. It has helped me
over time, reaching many opportunities at leadership levels and helping my community adapt
to the New Zealand culture. During my master’s, I have learned what cultural competence
means as a refugee from different cultural settings navigating through a different culture,
which always pushes me to new heights.
My motive for my fellow refugee youth is to empower, nourish, and protect our cultures’
traditional morals and values, combine the current ones to better understand the importance
of culture and manage conflicts in our communities and the different societies that life throws
us into. To be a fully informed generation about our current and future world, reviving and
taking steps to achieve our dreams and visions without obstacles. This is through inclusive
education, equal participation, and protection of human rights.
Regards
Damas
My name is Emeline Kamukunda. I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2004, but my family had to flee to Rwanda in 2008 due to the ongoing war and conflict in our home country. Since then, we have been living in a refugee camp, facing many challenges and uncertainties. In 2018, after years of waiting, we were given the opportunity to start a new life in New Zealand. This news brought immense joy and hope to my family, as it represented a chance for a brighter future and a fresh start.
Upon arriving in New Zealand, I enrolled at Hillcrest High School for my secondary education, attending from year 9 to 11, and later transferred to Hamilton Girls High School where I completed years 12 and 13. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country and education system, I remained dedicated to my studies and actively participated in extracurricular activities.
In addition to my academic pursuits, Aside from my studies, I also looked for work to gain experience. I worked as an interpreter, helping Congolese people who speak Kinyarwanda communicate with English speakers in different places. This job included going with patients to doctor’s appointments, translating information accurately, preparing documents, and following professional and ethical standards.
Furthermore, I had the privilege of serving as a Teachers Aid at Hillcrest Primary School, where I assisted students who were learning English as a second language. My responsibilities included working closely with Congolese students, collaborating with teachers to adapt lessons to meet individual needs, maintaining detailed records of progress, and ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
In my commitment to giving back to the community and supporting fellow refugees, I volunteered with Hamilton Multicultural Services as part of the New Kiwi Settlement Services program. This involved assisting newly arrived refugees in their settlement process, providing practical support, guidance, and resources to help them integrate into their new surroundings and build a successful life in New Zealand.
Additionally, I dedicated my time to volunteering at Red Cross New Zealand in Hamilton, where I sorted clothes, served as a cashier, and performed various tasks to support the organisation’s humanitarian efforts. This experience allowed me to contribute to a worthy cause, develop new skills, and connect with the local community in meaningful ways.
Overall, my journey from a refugee camp in Rwanda to settling in New Zealand has been challenging yet rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and remain committed to making a positive impact and creating a better future for myself and others.
Enock is a dedicated professional with exceptional emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and a passion for community service. With strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a background in education and marketing, Enock currently serves as an HR Support and Community Development Officer at the Refugee Center. He is eager to apply his skills to make a positive impact on the community and foster the youths’ positive change and inclusivity.
Levin
Hi! I’m Camila, a former refugee from Colombia and currently one of Levin’s youth
leaders. A little over a year ago, along with some of my peers, I founded Impacto, a
project dedicated to generating positive changes in the lives of young refugees. Through
this project, I have been able to explore and develop my passion for leadership and
service to my community.
Although I deeply enjoy creating social projects and taking on leadership roles, my
biggest dream is to build a career in healthcare, so that I can continue helping people,
but from a different angle.
Hello! I am Andrés Gamba, I am 17 years old from Colombia. I speak Spanish and a little
English, enough to be able to help my refugee community. I was born in Bogotá in 2006 and
I am currently studying at Horowhenua, in year 12.
The story of how I got here is quite similar to that of other refugees. However, what I can say
that is different are the goals that each one sets for themselves when they arrive. At first it
was not easy to get used to this place and it is still quite difficult, but slowly I have been able
to overcome that barrier. When I arrived here, my goals were simple: study and learn
English. I never thought about helping people or my community.
I remember very well that I did not leave my room, as it was difficult for me not to have
friends or anyone to talk to. But then my sister decided to volunteer in the association when
she came here with a project and a vision of what she wanted to achieve. I tried to help her
and then I began to feel affection for what she did. I met new people, made friends and
participated in different activities. I had new experiences and found a place where I could
feel like myself with my friends.
I decided that I wanted to help people too, to be able to make them feel included regardless
of their gender, color or preferences. When registrations were open, I signed up immediately
and waited day and night for their response. When I found out that I was one of the lucky
ones, it was a joy for me and my family. Although at first this was not one of my goals, later it
became a dream because I know very well what it feels like to arrive and not have friends, to
feel displaced. I know it’s difficult to accept a change this big, but you helped me get through
it, to be able to have time with other people who went through the same thing, to have fun
and laugh, and to enjoy.
I want to be part of it all and not just as a spectator. I want to make a difference and be part
of the change.
My name is Sergio, I am 24 years old, and I was born in Venezuela. Since I was young, I have
always wanted to support others, and this value has guided me in my life. Early this year,
because of the situation in my country, I had to leave Venezuela and came to New Zealand for a
better future. I am a public accounting professional, which lets me use my skills to help others.
Besides my work, I have several personal interests, like reading and enjoying nature. I like to do
activities that take me out of my comfort zone because I believe that is the best way to grow and
learn. I am a trustworthy, kind, and empathetic person, always ready to listen and help those
around me.
Kia Ora!!
My name is Valentina and I am 17 years old, I am a refugee in NZ This month I will celebrate a year since I arrived and it has been incredible.
I love art, mainly painting and dance, I feel that it is a great way to show what we feel.
I also love sports, mainly soccer and martial arts.
Wellington
Kia Ora my name is Dani! I’m passionate about arts, specially performing arts.
I came to Nz 7 years ago (2017) under the family reunification settlement. Drama
helped me to feel more confident and comfortable with my English. I’m also doing
my masters in intercultural communications and linguistics at Victoria university of
Wellington.
Kia Ora
Introducing myself, Jenny Nguyen to the NZNRYC community. I am freshly 25 and new to wellington city. Originally from Auckland, I finished my degree at Otago university. 2 years into my professional career I have enjoyed staying connected with our refugee community and stoked to be able to represent our rangatahi within this space.
I am committed to service in acknowledgment to my parents and grandparents from Vietnam
As-Salamu Alaykum and Kia ora, I’m Joseph Asfaw, an 18-year-old Wellington native with Ethiopian roots coming from a Ethiopian Orthodox heritage. My parents sought a better life in Aotearoa in 2000, setting the stage for my journey. Now in my first year at university, I’m pursuing Political Science, Criminology, and International Relations. As a Youth Leader with the New Zealand National Refugee Youth Council, I’m dedicated to empowering refugee youth across Aotearoa. I feel privileged and enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead!
I originated from Myanmar (Burma) and arrived in New Zealand in 2008 as a refugee. I enjoy challenging myself for new experiences and helping my
local Burmese community in the form of a homework club as a volunteer teacher. I am currently studying politics and Anthropology at Victoria University and graduating in 2025, lastly I love eating cultural food and hope that one day I can travel to different countries learning the history of that said food.
Hola, mucho gusto
I am Yizney, i’m from Colombia and I am a refugee in New Zealand. I love my culture and representing it everywhere I go, with no shame I always tell people where i’m from and who I am, now I can proudly say I am part of NZNRYC. My story as a refugee began when I was 7 years old, when we were given the opportunity to come to NZ, I grew and learned from this beautiful land and I still continue to! I have fought through many struggles being a refugee but I have continued through my journey. I am so excited and grateful to be part of this team!
Christchurch
Amor Budiyanto is currently a Year 13 student at Cashmere High School in Ōtautahi, Christchurch and a former first-generation convention refugee. At the age of nine, Amor and his family sought refuge in New Zealand due to forced displacement. From the age of 11, Amor has demonstrated passion for writing narratives through the mediums of poetry and short stories. His works have been published in Write On magazines and have been showcased in the Paint 'n Pen poetry exhibition at Tūranga Library. He was a National Given Word finalist for under 16 category for his written work reflecting his concern about climate change. Amor also uses murals to raise public awareness for endangered native birds in Aotearoa New Zealand under the support of the Christchurch City Council Graffiti Programme. He received a service award signed by Christchurch Mayor, Phil Geoff as acknowledgement of his contributions. Amor is currently acting as Digital Technology Prefect at his school while gaining early admission to study Computer Science at University of Canterbury through the UC STAR Programme. His skills have earned him an NZQA Technology Scholarship in Year 12. Amor is the President of Programming Club and Founder of Competitive Programming Club at Cashmere High School where he organise students to compete at national and international level programming competitions, as well as the Chief Technology Officer for the national, non-profit Charity Ball Ōtautahi, fundraising for the Children of Gaza Crisis. Amor is a dedicated advocate for refugee rights with interest in Computer and Data Science. He is particularly interested in the ethical use of data for the benefit of the refugee community and in leveraging technology to improve the accessibility of social services for refugees.
I am Sowaida Mahjor a Hazara girl who was born and raised in the vibrant city of Kabul, Afghanistan. In 2019, I made the life-changing decision to move to New Zealand with my family, where I currently reside. I am pursuing my studies towards a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Education and Psychology.
My interest for outdoors and music has been a significant part of my life. I find solace and inspiration in nature, often seeking opportunities to explore the natural beauty of New Zealand. Additionally, I am a huge fan of Music, I play Guitar and Dambora, a traditional Hazaragi instrument. My passion for music has allowed me to connect with others through the universal language of melody and rhythm.
Looking ahead, I envision a future where I can leverage my knowledge and skills to positively impact the lives of others, particularly those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Yasaman Bagheri is a published writer and a political refugee. In 2013, she fled Iran due to religious and political persecution and sought asylum in Australia. From the age of 15 she was incarcerated in Australia’s offshore detention regime. At the end of 2018, she was medically evacuated to Australia and mostly lived in Brisbane. Yasaman was denied the right to study in Australia. She has worked as a support worker in the disability and aged care sector. In 2023, Yasaman came to Aotearoa and is currently studying Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Yasaman has advocated for social justice and human rights as a refugee child and continues her advocacy no matter the obstacles she faces. Yasaman is passionate around mental health and specifically healing from trauma. In her spare time, Yasaman enjoys foraging and gardening.
Invercargill
My name is jimmy shema
I’m Congolese former refugee
I’m 20 years old born in Rwanda but I live in South New Zealand Invercargill
