CEO joins NZ delegation

12 August 2008

In June, Claire Szabo, CEO, ESOL Home Tutors, joined NZ government representatives in a round of policy dialogues with the British Government.

The dialogue, initiated at the request of the two countries' prime ministers, was themed Multicultural Communities. English, Welsh and Scottish colleagues learnt about New Zealand's focus on skilled migrants, settlement outcomes and trying to furnish our newcomers with timely information. New Zealand government officials and Ms Szabo (contributing as a non-government participant) learnt about the United Kingdom's focus on English language, volunteering and employment. Resulting issues discussed are some of those frequently echoed by migrant communities and sector organisations such as ESOL Home Tutors.

As a member of the delegation, Ms Szabo was pleased to contribute the sole non-government perspective on current community initiatives and issues. ESOL Home Tutors' network of 23 centres, 200 staff and 3,000 volunteers constitute New Zealand's only national ESOL provider and largest agency dedicated to refugee and migrant resettlement.

Research on non-government organisations' contribution to settlement commissioned by ESOL Home Tutors, recently launched at the association's annual conference, also helped bring to light for others the staggering depth and breadth of work happening voluntarily and by paid community sector professionals throughout the New Zealand.