Community Support

The ELTO Programme is not all hard work! There is also time for fun, relaxation and experiencing the Kiwi way of life. Throughout the 17 years of the programme, many New Zealanders, have offered friendship, conversation practice, outings and other activities for the officials. They have welcomed them into their homes and given them a taste of family life. This voluntary community support from these friends of ELTO is an important part of the success of the programme and many lasting friendships have been made.

Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos Support Network (VICALSN)

This started in 1989, as the Vietnam Action and Information Network (VAIN) and later expanded to include Cambodia and Laos.  At that time very little was known in New Zealand about these three countries.  Relations between them and NZ consisted of formal diplomatic ties through embassies in Canberra and Bangkok, and we wanted to interest New Zealanders in their progress, their problems, and what we could do to help.   read more...

Operation Friendship

F for Fun; F for food; F for family

It’s all about having fun, eating lots of good food, in our homes, on picnics, at barbecues, at parties.  We are family for lonely people, welcoming international students into our own homes and families.   read more...

ELTO Real Talk Programme

While ELTO officials are studying in Wellington they get the opportunity to spend time with “conversation partners” practising their English.

The purpose of this talking time is to give the officials many opportunities for conversations in English, and add to their experience of New Zealand life.

Both VICALSN’s and Operation Friendship’s members offer their time for this activity.

People who live in Wellington who are prepared to spend an hour or so on a regular basis and are not members of these organisations can volunteer for this activity under  the ELTO Real Talk Programme. Contact the  ELTO Programme manager.