100+
Families Supported
20+
Annual Events
Families Supported
Annual Events
Building stronger bonds through shared experiences and cultural celebrations.
Celebrating our Somali heritage while embracing New Zealand values.
The Canterbury Somali Charitable Trust bridges Somali heritage with New Zealand society, supporting families through every step of their resettlement journey.
Learn MoreThe Canterbury Somali Charitable Trust stands as a beacon of hope and unity for Somali families navigating the journey of resettlement in Aotearoa New Zealand.
For many of our whānau, the transition from Somalia to Christchurch brings both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. We understand that finding employment, accessing education, navigating cultural differences, and overcoming discrimination are real barriers that our community faces daily. Yet, through collective strength and cultural pride, we transform these challenges into stepping stones for success.
Our Trust serves as more than an organization—we are a family, a support network, and a celebration of Somali heritage in the heart of Canterbury. From settlement assistance to cultural festivals, from youth programs to elder support, we walk alongside every member of our community.
Discover Our Story
Six pillars that guide our commitment to the Somali community in Canterbury
Strengthening bonds among Somali families and fostering collaborative relationships with wider Canterbury communities.
Providing essential services that address housing, health, mental wellbeing, and daily living challenges faced during resettlement.
Celebrating Somali traditions, language, and identity while building bridges with New Zealand's multicultural society.
Empowering our community to engage actively in New Zealand's democratic processes and public life.
Guiding newcomers through immigration, employment, education, and integration into Christchurch life.
Partnering with government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations to advocate for our whānau's needs.
The journey from displacement to belonging is filled with moments of joy, resilience, and cultural celebration. Our community gatherings are more than events—they are affirmations of identity, expressions of hope, and declarations that we belong here in Christchurch.
From Eid festivals that bring hundreds together in prayer and feast, to youth sports programs that build confidence and friendships, to women's support groups that offer sanctuary and solidarity—every initiative creates ripples of positive change.
We recognize that successful settlement isn't about abandoning our Somali roots; it's about planting them deeply in New Zealand soil, allowing our culture to flourish while embracing the Kiwi spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality) and whanaungatanga (kinship).
Whether you're seeking support, want to volunteer, or simply connect with the Somali whānau in Canterbury, we welcome you with open arms. Together, we build a stronger, more inclusive Christchurch.