Efforts recognised
An organisation that works to empower Asians has been recognised in local board volunteer awards.
The Asian Network formed in 2002 to meet the needs of Auckland’s growing Asian community, programme manager Vishal Rishi says.
The network aims to connect Asian people with appropriate services to respond to their wellbeing needs.
‘‘We are here to make new migrants feel included in society,’’ Mr Rishi says.
‘‘Rather than creating a different arm of services specifically for them, we would rather current services became more inclusive.’’
The network not only assists new migrants it also helps New Zealandborn Asians.
It connects people with services handling a wide range of issues including family violence, youth health and disability services.
‘‘We aim to address the broader issues in a culturally appropriate way. Sometimes when local slang is used in nationwide health campaigns Asian people just don’t connect with it,’’ he says.
The Albert-Eden Board acknowledged the network’s hard work in its annual Community Volunteer Awards.
The network was recognised for its service to the community in health and wellbeing.
Network volunteers Jason Li, Bai Bing Yu and Hui-Ling Weng also received special mention.
Mr Rishi says he is delighted the Asian Network has been recognised in the awards.