Vic Without Barriers

Vic Without Barriers is a student-led club for students from refugee backgrounds that provides academic support and social activities.

Vic Without Barriers is a club created by former refugee-background students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. We provide social support along with social activities to help students cope with university pressures—and with life pressures as well.

In 2019, we recognised that there was a big need to re-establish a club dedicated to supporting students from refugee backgrounds. After several meetings and brainstorming, a framework and name emerged: Vic Without Barriers. In July, more than 50 people signed up to be members, and we voted an executive board into office.

Two major achievements that year made us proud as a club. The University awarded us its highest honour—the Supreme Club Award—and we organised our first-ever annual multicultural event. The Diversity Festival brought together people from all over Wellington, from both local communities and former refugee-background communities. The 300 people who attended included students, families, and University staff, along with those from other organisations.

We've been extremely enthusiastic about making connections with organisations and communities, including Changemakers, the Red Cross, and the New Zealand National Refugee Association. These connections have allowed us to make links between former refugee-background students and organisations that can help them when they leave university and are out in the real world.

For more information about the Vic Without Barriers, head to our Facebook or Instagram pages. If you would like to get in contact with us about anything—whether it’s ideas for events or activities—please email us at vuw.rbstudents@gmail.com.