Marcelina Alal arrived in New Zealand in September 2009 with her immediate family members Richard, Tony, Alice, Anai, David and Patrick.
Their journey to New Zealand began when they left Sudan, as a result of the impact of war, leading them to Uganda, where they found the UNHCR who played an important role in supporting and guiding their relocation. They faced many hardships throughout this time, which highlighted only their desire and drive in seeking a new beginning.
When they finally arrived in New Zealand, they found adjusting very hard due to a variety of challenges including, language barriers, cultural integration, building social connections and feelings of homesickness, among others. Marcelina reflects, “When you first arrive in New Zealand, you don’t know anything; you don’t know what’s good.” However, as time progressed, they were able to overcome these obstacles and found themselves more welcomed and integrated into the community.
Since settling, Marcelina has been able to bring more of her family members into New Zealand as they have lost their parents. This process, although challenging and long, Marcelina acknowledges that “New Zealand helps the helpless”. She highlights the welcoming of her and her family into the communities, as well as the importance of maintaining her cultural heritage in the midst of such an ethnically diverse society.
She also expresses her sincere gratitude to her government for accepting her family and giving them the opportunity to build a better life. Marcelina acknowledges that even after more than a decade as a citizen, she still hasn’t completely adjusted to the weather. Despite this, she finds joy in living in New Zealand and values the opportunities it has given her and her family.
