Staff Reporter –
info@indiannewslink.co.nz
Auckland High Court lawyer Gurbrinder Aulakh was unanimously elected as the Chair of the National Board of English Language Partners New Zealand.
The organization works with the learning needs and smooth integration of Refugees and Migrants across the Country.
This is the first time in the history of the 40-year-old organisation that a person of Indian origin has been elected to the top post.
Current Chair Alasdair Finnie, Youth Development Advisor at the Social Development Ministry and former Director of Community and Voluntary sector will be retiring from his role in May. Preceding him was former Defence Minister Mark Burton.
Passionate Service
Mr Aulakh is passionate about the welfare of the wider community.
He has had a long association with English Language Partners, having served as the Chair of its North Shore Centre, and as a Member on its National Board.
“It is a great honour and a huge responsibility. I am moved by the number of Kiwis in the organisation providing selfless service for the settlement and integration of refugees and migrants. It is their support which helps these newbies to be the productive work force of New Zealand economy,” Mr Aulakh said.
The organisation, which changed its name in 2009, has about 300 staff and about 2000 volunteers, located across 23 Centres throughout New Zealand, imparting services to more than 6500 learners comprising 150 different ethnicities.
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Photo Caption:
Gurbrinder Aulakh
