The initiative has been implemented by police in Wellington for international students throughout the region. It aims to empower international students and their communities to help reduce the risk of victimisation of international students in New Zealand and to allow better understanding of the role of police in New Zealand society.
The International Student Ambassadors will meet regularly with Wellington region police to receive training and information about local crime trends and safety tips to pass onto their peers and community.
Victoria International Director Julia Innocente-Jones says the initiative will have a positive impact across the international student community at Victoria.
“Engaging with the community is welcomed by Victoria International. The International Student Ambassador initiative launched through the New Zealand Police is a great example of university and police collaboration.
“The knowledge and experience gained by the International Student Ambassadors about the New Zealand police, and staying safe, will be of great benefit to the Ambassadors as individuals and to the wider student community on campus,” says Ms Innocente-Jones.
VUWSA International Students’ Association President Deon Teo says the initiative will boost the confidence of students and equip them with skills to better integrate into New Zealand society.
“The International Student Ambassador initiative will give international students a better and broader understanding of how New Zealand society works.
“Working with the police will help the students to understand how other cultures and people in New Zealand behave, and will give them more confidence to participate with other organisations in the Wellington community,” says Mr Teo.
Modelled off the Auckland International Student Ambassadors, the Wellington initiative is led by the Wellington District Ethnic Liaison Officer, Sergeant Philip Pithyou. The initiative was launched at the Wellington Central Police Station on Friday 30 September.