When we move to a new country, it is our parents who struggle the most to adjust in the new country, for they would have spent the biggest chunk of their life in another country.

While we get busy in building our future, making money and getting through our day to day work life, our parents often feel lonely in a country that is unknown to them, with people with whom they are not familiar.

But the good thing for those living in Auckland is that we have Woman Care Trust, an organisation that has come forward to help and provide support to our elderly, as well as the young ones.

Established in July 2014, WCT, a non-profit charitable trust, provides free support through various weekly workshops/classes to Indian women, men, and other new migrants to settle in New Zealand.

From making them competent through English and computer classes, to skilled through stitching and driving theory classes, the organisation offers it all free of cost.

The group of men and women get together for various weekly events and the energy and enthusiasm among them can put young ones to shame.

WCT also organises annual events such as Ladies Cultural Night which gives all the women an opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities such as dancing, singing and acting. It is an occasion for the women to dress up in cultural/ethnic attires, which they don’t get to do a lot in New Zealand, and party. This event focuses on promoting Punjabi culture while also giving our elderly an opportunity to entertain themselves.

WCT also provides advice, support and assistance such as counselling services, health information, and mediation for family conflict, visitation and creating social networks.

Their classes schedule is as follows:

Stitching class: every Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gym class: Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ladies only

Giddha (Punjabi folk dance) class: every Tuesday 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Kids playgroup: Monday, Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Driving theory class: Thursday and Friday 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for ladies only

Yoga class: Monday and Friday 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

English class: Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for ladies only

Computer class: Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for ladies only

During the recently held Kiwi Punjabi Awards by New Zealand Punjabi Foundation, WCT was chosen as the Organisation of the Year for their continued contribution.

For those who want to benefit from the services they provide, feel free to contact Baljit Dheil on 02102842785 or womancaretrust@gmail.com.