“I am originally from Bulawayo and I came to Ireland in August 2000. Coming here was a big culture shock for me – every-thing was so different, from the weather to the people.
Nobuhle Ncube
Women’s development officer, AkiDwA: the African Women’s Network
“I am originally from Bulawayo and I came to Ireland in August 2000. Coming here was a big culture shock for me – every-thing was so different, from the weather to the people.
“In 2001, when I was living in Howth, I experienced extreme racism from a local couple. It was probably one of the worst things to happen to me in my entire life. But at the same time a lot of Irish people supported me, so I can say I have experienced two extremes.
“Growing up in Zimbabwe I heard a lot about Ireland. My uncle studied in the Royal College of Surgeons more than 20 years ago, and he brought back many stories and photos. He married here and had children, but later went back home. His family is still here somewhere and I want to find them.”
Johannes Nyawata
Social worker and chair of the Zimbabwe Community Network Ireland
“I came to Ireland in June 2002. I came to work as a social worker for the South Western Area Health Board. My experience here has been very good. At first I had nowhere to live, but a colleague of mine accommodated me in her house free of charge.
“This time was great for me. This is when I found out a lot about the history of Ireland and the way of life here. I think this experience has helped me to integrate a great deal. I’ll always be very grateful to that lady and her family.
“In Zimbabwe we always had this perception of Irish as winners in the war against colonialism and we hold this nation in high esteem. Irish people like Fr Donal Lamont and Mike Auret who fought against segregation of blacks will always be our heroes.”
Tendai Madondo
HIV/Aids development officer, Christian Aid, and candidate in the 2009 local elections
“I came here in 2002 because my husband got a job as an engineer in the local council. It was difficult for me to adapt at first. It was also very difficult to educate the children because the fees were so high.
“When I came to Ireland I was pregnant and there was a lot of hostility towards migrants at the time, especially pregnant migrants. I was abused racially on several occasions. This shocked me because I knew some Irish people back in Zimbabwe and they were all extremely friendly and welcoming.
“I have adapted now and made many friends in Ireland. I see that the policies which made life difficult for me in the beginning are now changing, but there is still a lot to be done and it takes time.”
