Refugees from Bhutan, some of whom have been living in refugee camps for up to 20 years, are finally being resettled throughout the world. Some began arriving in New Zealand (New Sailand, as Sai devotees like to call it) in March 2008, and through 2010 over 500 refugees have been settled here. Most of them are ethnic Nepalese.

Can you consider the trauma of living in a refugee tramp for up to 20 years and then being resettled in a totally different land and culture, a thousand miles from your homeland? It is a testimony to New Zealand and its government that they took in some of these neglected people, some with physical and mental disabilities, and provided assistance.

The Sai Organization gets involved: Project SAIRAM

An unexpected meeting with the first group of 40 refugees in March 2008 saw the launch of the program Service Action Initiatives for Refugees, Asylum-seekers, and Migrants. The Sai Organization felt it had to get involved. The refugees spent about 6 weeks in an orientation camp and were then resettled in towns such as Auckland, Christchurch, Nelson, and Palmerston. The comfort of the refugees and the success of this transition has been due to the selfless love and generosity of both Sai devotees and extraordinary New Zealanders who came forward to take care of every single need of these new family members.

The transition

Within 48 hours of arrival, contact is made with the refugees to assure them that the Sai Family will be their family and will be available to assist them in any way during their stay at the camp.

And help they need. Most are homesick. They are ill-prepared for the cold weather and for western food, which is understandable given that they have eaten mostly, if not entirely, home-cooked food for 20 years in the refugee camps. All of this, together with the extreme culture shock, contributes to an initial feeling of unhappiness and fear.

The loving support of the various Sai Centres and Groups in Auckland comforts and dispels this unhappiness. Weekend programs arranged at various Centre venues offer food, warm clothes, devotional singing and dancing (Nepali custom), temple visits, games, sports, movies, music, and sharing of experiences. Their visits with us are a time for joy and festivity. A new Swami Narayan Temple within 5 minutes drive from the orientation camp connects them to their culture and religion, which they never imagined possible in New Zealand.

As part of the adoption program of looking after specific needs of individual Bhutanese families, some Sai families have opened their homes to entertain the Bhutanese. The friendship and fellowship gives them the opportunity to interact with us, share their experiences, and mix as one people, helping to give them the courage and self-confidence to face their new challenges and opportunities in New Zealand.

Providing material needs

The Sai Centres provide a “Starter Pack” for each family, based on their specific needs (age, gender, and size, of each family member). The Starter Pack contains toiletries, laundry items, sheets and pillow cases, disposable nappies (for babies), underwear, etc. In addition, suitcases, school bags, shoes, saris, guitars, and other useful items may added as extra gifts.

The struggle, survival skills, and family values upheld by the Bhutanese have been real eye openers for those of us spoilt by varied material choices and sensual pleasures. A family of nine, when asked how many rooms they had in their hut in Nepal, replied with a smile, “Just one! We have make-shift partitions, curtains suspended with string for living and domestic areas.” A 22-year-old girl said that she went to the university only to take exams, since she has to work to pay for her studies. She prepared for the exam by borrowing the notes of her friends. They only got a small allowance of food on a weekly basis, with a ration of one litre of kerosene a month, used only to provide light for studies.

Reflections

It is wonderful to see the unity of the Bhutanese as they get to know each other in Auckland. Within a few days they become so close and caring for each other, and they earn the love and affection of the camp hostel staff and other fellow refugees from various other ethnicities.

This opportunity to serve is of great blessing us in the Sai fold. It has united the Sai Centres in the region by bringing together so many of us who otherwise do not get to know each other. It has also seen the smaller Centres (in Auckland, Palmerston North, Christchurch, and Nelson) rise to the occasion and take a far greater active role. The sheer happiness and flowing of love cannot be put into words other than, as many have commented, as being the happiest part of their lives.

The farewell functions held before the Bhutanese leave Auckland for permanent settlement in some city are quite emotional for many as tears flow. Having to say goodbye twice in a few weeks – first in Nepal and then in Auckland – wondering when they would see one another, is heart-breaking. They are consoled as we promise to keep contact with them and let them know that the Sai Centre where they are going will help them.

It is worth recalling one of the young women, who is unable to speak, was so upset and sad when she came to New Zealand because she had expected to see her eldest sister and her little children. She did not understand that they had migrated to the USA! After a few weeks it was a joy to watch her her smiling and carrying other small children from different ethnicities at the Auckland refugee hostel.

Sai devotees also help in the transition to their new home in a New Zealand city – but that is another story!

Additional Info

See Also:

• Minneapolis MN USA - Refugee Resettlement Support
• Nashville TN USA – Service to Bhutanese Refugees
• Baltimore MD USA– Bhutanese Assistance
• Beaverton, Oregon, USA - Bhutanese Assistance

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