From Hope to Home: How One Community Helped Change a Life - and Their Own
- birgitgrafarend
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
“Sometimes, it is a matter of believing in yourself that gives you a start.”
When the Community Refugee Sponsorship (CORS) programme received a much-anticipated extension in 2021, the response from the people of Aotearoa New Zealand was nothing short of inspiring. Communities from all walks of life stepped forward to sponsor refugees, offering not just a safe home, but also heartfelt support to help them settle and thrive.
Out of 30 approved groups, 28 rolled up their sleeves and got involved. These groups reflected the diverse spirit of Aotearoa New Zealand - from faith-based groups and ethnic communities, to former refugee communities and local businesses. Each group had their own reasons for taking part. One such story stands out as a powerful example of both human resilience and shared humanity.
A Chance for One Becomes a Gift for Many
In Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the team at WriteSpace Limited were successfully approved as an Approved Sponsor group in the CORS programme in 2021. Their goal was clear: to bring a young Afghan refugee, stranded in Indonesia for nearly a decade, to safety and opportunity in Aotearoa New Zealand.
"We thought we were doing it to help one person. What I didn’t expect was how much it did for me.”
One of the sponsor group members shared:
“He was just wasting away, and we wanted to give him a new life here. The programme made the most extraordinary difference to him - and to us. He’s thriving now, a permanent resident, and committed to giving back. But what I hadn’t expected was how much it would transform me personally. I met people I wouldn’t have otherwise met, saw the world differently, and felt that in some small way, I was making a real difference.”
The sponsor group did more than handle logistics and the practicalities of a new life in New Zealand. They became mentors and champions, and helped the newly arrived sponsord refugee navigate his new life here.
“It’s so easy to feel disempowered by everything happening in the world. But here was something tangible we could do. And it worked. I’m now a passionate advocate for CORS and I urge the government to make this programme permanent.”
A Dream Reignited
“The life I lived in Indonesia was tough - but it prepared me for anything. Now, I’m studying psychology at the University of Auckland.”
The young man they sponsored arrived with a heart full of hope and a mind sharpened by years of perseverance.
“I didn’t have much of a language barrier, but juggling full-time study and part-time work took some adjustment. I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by supportive people, like my sponsor group. The university has helped me too, with services like financial assistance.”
Despite a difficult past, he arrived with a dream: to become a psychologist. Back in Indonesia, he had self-studied mental health topics to help others cope with the distress they were facing in refugee limbo.
“Coming to New Zealand, the dream felt real. Within two weeks, I was enrolled at the University of Auckland. This country gave me a chance—and I plan to use it well.”
A Process Made Simple, A Life Forever Changed
Another sponsor group member also reflected on the journey:
“I handled the administrative side, and I have to commend HOST. What could have been daunting was made smooth by their well-developed systems and fantastic communication. They empowered us to help someone from the global community - and bring him to New Zealand. We’re so grateful.”
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
The story of this young Afghan man and his sponsor group is one of many. But it speaks volumes about what’s possible when everyday people take action. Through compassion, collaboration, and courage, a refugee found a home - and the community found a renewed sense of purpose.
“Here’s one thing we can do. It’s made a world of difference.”
As Aotearoa New Zealand continues to explore the future of community-led refugee sponsorship, stories like this highlight the deep impact such programmes can have - not only on those finding refuge, but also on the communities that welcome them. Advocates are now calling for the programme to be made permanent, ensuring more lives can be transformed through collective compassion and action.
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