Chinese 1.5 Generation Project
Kai Xin Xing Dong supports the 1.5 Generation of Chinese living in New Zealand
We interviewed Auckland school students from nine to 17 years and made a series of 1.5 Generation videos.
We also wrote a series of 1.5 Generation online stories giving the perspectives of teenage and adult 1.5ers and two parents of 1.5 children. These will be added to the site once a week for 10 weeks.
What we learnt from talking to 1.5ers was a little surprising, given this group's perceived vulnerability to psychological distress. Many 1.5ers have experienced bullying, teasing, intimidation and isolation - but they are a surprisingly resilient bunch! All we spoke to stressed the importance of learning English, trying out as many new and different things as possible, and spending time with people outside of their Chinese social groups.
What is the 1.5 Generation?
People belong to the 1.5 Generation if they migrated to New Zealand, between the ages of six and 18 years, with at least one adult family member.
Contacts
If you would like more information, or to organise interviews, please contact:
Charlie (Sheng) Tang - Mandarin speaker
Community Engagement & Health Promotion Officer
Phone: 09 623 4810 x 847
charlie.tang "at" mentalhealth.org.nz
