Sakhr Munassar came to NZ as a Rotary Scholar in 2016. A Yemeni passport holder, he came via the United States to study a Masters in peace and conflict studies at the University of Otago. While he was in New Zealand, the American immigration rules changed, which banned Yemeni passport holders from access to the US. Yemen is in the grips of war so going home has become an equal challenge.
Now graduated, Sakhr works as a youth coordinator for the Red Cross in Otago. He runs multiple youth programs throughout the district, has assisted with the many Syrian refugees now settled in Dunedin and is actively involved in the community through Rotary, Rotaract and music. The strength of Rotaract in Dunedin is very much due to the effort and energy he put into it as a student – creating a sustainable organisation. He is an all round excellent citizen, but his first application for residency has been turned down by Immigration NZ. Sakhr has decided to appeal that decision, but that comes at a price. Rotary D9980 is inviting support from members to assist Sakhr in the legal costs of challenging that decision. His lawyer is an experienced immigration appeal lawyer and is confident there is a good chance of a successful appeal.
Sakhr really appreciates the support Rotary members have given him
Donations can be made direct to the District 9980 bank account number: 01 0678 0015978 046
As a reference please put your Name or Club Name and Sakhr
.
