Finding liberty: The journey of Nimo Ahmed

The Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship (CORS) programme supports local groups in New Zealand to help bring refugees to the country. These groups support refugees by helping with money, emotional support, and everyday needs so they can settle in and feel part of the community.

An early life shaped by conflict

One of the most inspiring stories to emerge from the CORS programme is that of Nimo Ahmed (pictured above) — a woman whose journey from war-torn Somalia to Whangārei, New Zealand, is a testament to resilience, courage, and the transformative power of community.

Born and raised in Somalia, Nimo’s early life was shaped by conflict and instability. Her childhood was marked by constant violence, yet she found comfort in books and a deep love for learning. A naturally curious child, Nimo dreamed of becoming a teacher, often helping classmates who struggled with their lessons. Even in the darkest times, she held onto the belief that education could be a path to freedom.

The difficult decision to leave Somalia

As the situation in Somalia worsened, Nimo made the difficult decision to leave. In February 2017, she arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia — alone, without money, and unable to speak the language. Her first stop was the United Nations Refugee Agency, or UNHCR office, where she received a document identifying her as an asylum seeker. From there, she was left to navigate an unfamiliar city with no support network.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Nimo refused to give up. After months of learning English and surviving on the margins, she returned to the UNHCR in search of opportunity. That’s when she discovered a volunteer position with Church World Service (CWS) Indonesia, who were seeking a Somali interpreter and teacher for their Home for Women and Girls at Risk. She applied—and was hired.

This role marked a turning point. Through teaching and interpreting, Nimo found purpose and began to rebuild her life. In 2018, she founded The Sisterhood Foundation, a refugee-led organisation advocating for the rights of women and girls. As Director, she amplified the voices of those often silenced, sharing stories of resilience and injustice to inspire global awareness and action.

“I had only one goal,” Nimo says, “To advocate for refugee rights until my last breath.”

Then, an unexpected email arrived from Host International New Zealand (NZ). Nimo had been selected for New Zealand’s Community Sponsorship programme. At first, she was hesitant — years of hardship had taught her to be cautious with hope. But as the process unfolded with transparency, care, and consistent support, her belief in a better future began to return. She became the first person to be granted a visa under the CORS programme.

A Whangārei welcome

In August 2023, Nimo arrived in Whangārei. To her surprise, the community already knew her name. No one questioned her past. Instead, they welcomed her with open arms.

“No one asked me why I came here,” she recalls. “Although Whangārei had no refugees before, I initially thought it might be difficult because people wouldn’t understand my background. But fortunately, they welcomed me for who I am and reassured me that if I ever needed help, they were there for me.”

Nimo deeply values the pivotal role her sponsors played in helping her achieve her goals.

“They encouraged me to dream big — to create a ‘wish list’ of everything I hoped to accomplish. And they stood by me every step of the way. Whether I was navigating complex systems, deciphering unfamiliar information, or needing the right connections, they made sure I never felt alone.”

(Photo is of the Te Matau a Pohe bridge in Whangārei).

Giving back to the community

Today, Nimo is proud to be giving back — working within her community, pursuing her education, and contributing to her new life in Aotearoa. 

“I’ve come to see that refugees are not burdens—we are assets. Whangārei gave me my first true shelter of freedom, a place where I could fully be myself.”

Now, she’s helping others walk the same path — making the journey smoother and faster for those who follow.

“The Community Sponsorship Programme didn’t isolate me or control my choices. It gave me a fresh start. I was mentored, not managed. Guided, not governed. I received honest support and the right information to make my own decisions.”

“I truly believe this programme can save lives. It can give girls and boys like me the chance to feel whole again — to be heard, to contribute, and to chase our dreams.”