Kia ora! My name is Rayane Al-Faraj; I am the new intern for NCWNZ. I am both French and Jordanian, and I came all the way from the South of France, where I am studying political science in a university called Sciences Po Toulouse.

This is the first time I have travelled that far, and I am doing this to work as a board administrator for NCWNZ. Therefore, I will be joining them until mid-December, and I am beyond excited to be a part of this amazing organisation.

I am going abroad as part of my degree requirements, and after this semester in New Zealand, I am going to Seoul as an exchange student. One of my dreams is to travel all around the world, and I am really excited for this experience. As for my hobbies, I'm very interested in art in all its forms, such as painting, theatre and dance, and I love discovering how art is influenced by a culture. In practice, however, I'm more into sport, having recently taken up football.

I am looking forward to meeting the volunteers from all around Aotearoa and to being a part of the different projects and events that are going to take place. I have already had occasions to meet some inspiring and hard-working people. As a (maybe) future project manager in an NGO, I admire how you carry values of diversity and inclusivity within the organisation, but beyond that in everyday life. I find the country’s commitment to social justice and inclusivity really impressive, and I can’t wait to learn more about the history and culture of Aotearoa.

I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and looking forward to having this experience.

Ngā mihi nui,
Rayane Al-Faraj
NCWNZ Board Administrator

To read more articles from The Circular (July-August 2023) issue 642, click on the tag below.