Five Questions for Grace Kai Fong - Introducing our new intern

We are delighted to introduce and extend a warm welcome to Grace Kai Fong, who joins us as an intern while completing her Master of Applied Social Work at Massey University.

As part of our ongoing commitment to capacity building, we view this internship as a valuable opportunity for reciprocal growth. Over the next three months, Grace will contribute to key initiatives within our team, while gaining practical experience to support her journey toward becoming a qualified social worker. We look forward to the insight and energy she brings, and to supporting her professional development through this collaborative learning experience.

1) Where did you grow up and what was it like?

I grew up between the South Island of New Zealand and Hong Kong and completed my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Otago. I lived in London the last three years working in childcare, education, and charities and have returned to New Zealand to work towards the Master of Applied Social Work qualification with Massey University. Moving every 4ish years has provided its own challenges but also a wealth of experiences. I now have wonderful friends all across the world and have been lucky enough to get a taste of Asia, Europe, and the smallest amount of Africa and North America! It has inspired my passion for travel, learning about different cultures, and working with diverse communities.

2) What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I've always loved being outside and have picked up running in the last few years as a means of free fitness and an opportunity to socialise! When I have the time, I also love planning trips away, exploring new areas, and eating my way through all the best bakeries.

3) What motivated you to get involved in the refugee sector?

I worked at a school in London that had a high refugee and asylum seeker intake. I adored working with the children and watching them gain confidence in themselves, their language, and their social interactions. It was a privilege to work with these families during their transition into the British education system, and it gave me an insight into the positive effects that supportive wraparound networks can provide to migrant families.

4) Is there a goal or a dream you are working towards?

As someone who has thrived off change and living and working overseas, my goal is to obtain my full Social Work Registration and move abroad to work with families in the education system. I want whatever work I am doing to be dynamic and make a positive difference to those I am working with.

5) What do you hope to gain from your placement here at HOST International Aotearoa?                                                                                                   

From this placement I hope to gain an understanding of refugees/migrants' transitions to New Zealand and the role our community plays in supporting them. I want to leave HOST with an in-depth understanding of the Community Sponsorship Programme and the Capacity Building Workshops, and know how Social Work is incorporated into each of them.

Being involved in this macro-level, community-centred social work is a special opportunity, and I look forward to learning more about HOST's role in Aotearoa.

We are thrilled that Grace has joined us for a three-month placement. Welcome, Grace.