Personal Background and Migration
I was born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, where I developed a strong passion for healthcare. When I moved to the UK over 32 years ago, it was to pursue further education and professional opportunities. The UK provided me with a platform to study mental health nursing, expand my education skills, gain experience, and contribute meaningfully to healthcare. Like many migrants, adjusting to a new country came with its challenges—adapting to a different culture, weather, and healthcare system. However, I was determined to make the most of the opportunities available. I focused on my studies, trained as a mental health nurse, and eventually built a career in the NHS, where I have now worked for over 20 years.
Expatriate life has provided me with a fresh viewpoint. Although I continue to appreciate the charm and fortitude of my homeland, it has also made me aware of deficiencies in healthcare, notably concerning mental health support systems. To address this issue, I established the Zimbabwe Life Project (ZLP), aiming to contribute by imparting expertise, information, and assets to mental health practitioners in Zimbabwe.
Cultural Identity
Being from Zimbabwe forms an essential aspect of my personal identity. My connection to this cultural background remains alive through various facets like my professional life, social engagements, and fundamental principles. It’s important for me that both my kids and people within my sphere recognize and value these Zimbabwean customs. Key virtues such as respect, fortitude, and communal solidarity shape much of what I stand for. Sharing our rich heritage happens primarily via culinary arts, musical expressions, and narrative traditions; however, it finds its pinnacle in my involvement with ZLP—an initiative uniting medical practitioners between the UK and Zimbabwe. I continue to observe local festivities, prepare authentic meals, and actively participate in Zimbabwean groups based locally. The essence of our tradition centers heavily upon 'Ubuntu,' embodying mutual human dignity and interdependence—a philosophy I strive to uphold daily across all aspects of living and working.
Connections Between the UK and Zimbabwe
There is a long historical connection between the two countries, and many Zimbabweans in the UK maintain strong ties with home. In the healthcare sector, particularly, there is significant collaboration—something I’ve been privileged to be a part of through ZLP. I believe Zimbabweans in the UK are respected for their hard work and contributions, especially in sectors like healthcare and education. However, there are still misconceptions about Zimbabwe. That’s why I think it’s important to share positive stories about our people and our potential. We act as a bridge—whether it’s through business, education, healthcare, or social initiatives. ZLP, for instance, connects British and Zimbabwean mental health professionals, creating a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and skills.
Experiences of the Zimbabwean Diaspora
Adjusting to a new culture, navigating complex immigration regulations, and occasionally experiencing discrimination are common hurdles faced by many Zimbabweans. Yet, our ability to persevere, lean on robust community connections, and maintain an unwavering dedication to achieving excellence help us surmount these obstacles. We keep abreast of developments in Zimbabwe via platforms such as social media, local community groups, and initiatives like ZLP. Financial contributions toward family needs or community endeavors back home from diaspora members are also prevalent. I've had the privilege of receiving accolades in the UK for my efforts, including being honored with the Global Health Partnerships' UK Africa Diaspora Healthcare Champion Award, the Queen's Nurse Award, and addressing Parliament. Such acknowledgments make one feel truly appreciated. Nonetheless, periods of loneliness were inevitable during the initial stages of resettlement. Overcoming these challenging times has largely depended upon communal assistance and consistent involvement within the community.
Bridging the Gap
Increased cultural and professional interactions could prove beneficial. Such engagements foster greater mutual understanding among individuals. Personally, I have witnessed how healthcare workers from the UK who collaborate with ZLP in Zimbabwe return home with an enhanced perspective on both the nation and its populace. Diasporic communities play a vital part in narrating the authentic narrative of Zimbabwe—highlighting not only its challenges but also showcasing the talents, innovations, and resilience of our citizens. Their achievements abroad and contributions toward uplifting Zimbabwe aid in altering prevailing viewpoints. Via ZLP, we've organized exchanges involving mental health experts from Britain and Zimbabwe. This initiative involves sending UK-based medical practitioners like nurses and physicians to Zimbabwe for training purposes as well as resource sharing; concurrently, we sponsor visits of Zimbabwean specialists to the UK for additional skill enhancement.
Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations
Zimbabwe is always home. While I may not live there full-time now, my heart is always invested in improving mental health services there. If healthcare infrastructure improves significantly, I would consider spending more time working on the ground. I want people to see beyond the headlines. Zimbabwe is more than its challenges—it’s a country full of intelligent, hardworking, and resourceful people. There is so much potential, and with the right support and policies, Zimbabwe can thrive. Stay true to who you are, embrace opportunities, and always give back to your roots. It’s important to integrate into your new environment but never forget where you come from. We all have a role to play in shaping the future of Zimbabwe, no matter where we are in the world.
- This column is presented by the British Embassy in Harare, highlighting the robust ties between the people of the UK and Zimbabwe.