One day, perhaps in the not-too-distant future, Ahmed Hayali hopes to make a very real difference in the world’s climate crisis. The University of Canterbury PHD candidate is studying nanotechnology focusing on solar cells. “I’m researching how to make them considerably more efficient. I hope that I can contribute to making them more effective and sustainable,” he explains.
He and his wife Jehan, an engineering graduate, emigrated from Iraq in early 2019 and were particularly attracted to life in Christchurch. “Christchurch feels like the perfect place for us. We love the climate, the people – everything really. We love learning about Māori culture and absorbing everything that this place has to offer.”
Ahmed and Jehan are devoted parents of two children, Nina (4) and Yousif (1). While their future looks bright, given they don’t quality for any government support, right now their financial situation is very tough. “When you have children your focus changes – the most important thing is taking good care of them. Life is a real juggle. My studies are full time and with Jehan caring for Nina and Yousif, our budget is very tight.”
The pair discovered PIPS on Facebook when Yousif was just three months old. While the pair are hugely positive people, navigating pregnancy in a new country combined with the additional financial pressures of a new baby, plus Covid-19 lockdowns, made this an incredibly isolating and difficult time. “All our family are in Iraq and the borders were shut. We are so grateful to all our friends here – the university and the Muslim community are a huge support to us – but we did miss our family.”
The team at PIPS gladly offered Ahmed and Jehan the helping hand they needed. “Ahmed and Jehan are incredibly loving and nurturing parents. Having a baby is hard work – and most people have some family to call on during this time. They were incredible in the face of some significant challenges, so we were so pleased to be able to be there for them, when they needed it,” explains Megan, PIPS’ Manager.
This help involved a friendly ear and advice on navigating the maternity system for Jehan as well as practical things like nappies and clothing.
“I would like to express my thanks to Megan and her team. We don’t have a car, so Megan offered to drop things off to us. The PIPS team are so helpful, understanding and really kind. They made such a difference to us and I have recommended so many people who need help to get in touch with them,” says Ahmed.
Megan and the team have been a regular presence in Ahmed and Jehan’s lives since then. When Yousif grows out of one set of clothes, they swap for a bigger size – ensuring the clothing can be passed on to another deserving family. The new PIPS outreach centre in Hornby – near their student accommodation in Riccarton – has also made accessing support easier.
PIPS’ help has meant that the family can focus on enjoying their children.
“Nina is so happy here in Christchurch. She is becoming a real Kiwi and will head off to school soon, which is so exciting. She’s so confident and loves life. Yousef is a chatty, social little baby. We feel very lucky to have them both.”
The pair hope to eventually make New Zealand their permanent home – with a Master of Engineering in Jehan’s future and work for Ahmed, “our dream is to raise our family here. But for now, we are doing everything we can to enjoy time together.”
*We have used stock photos to accompany the Hayali family’s story.
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