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.
Living abroad has given me a different perspective. I still see the beauty and resilience of my home country, but I’ve also come to understand the gaps in healthcare, particularly in mental health services. That’s why I founded the Zimbabwe Life Project (ZLP)—to give back by sharing skills, knowledge, and resources with mental health professionals in Zimbabwe.
Cultural Identity
My Zimbabwean identity is a core part of who I am. I stay connected to my culture through my work, my community, and my values. I also ensure that my children and those around me understand and appreciate Zimbabwean traditions. Respect, resilience, and a strong sense of community are values I carry with me. I share my heritage through food, music, and storytelling, but most importantly, through my work with ZLP, which connects healthcare professionals in the UK and Zimbabwe. Yes, I still celebrate Zimbabwean holidays, cook traditional dishes, and engage with the Zimbabwean community here. Our culture is deeply rooted in Ubuntu—the belief in shared humanity—which guides my work and interactions every day.
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.
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Experiences of the Zimbabwean Diaspora
Adapting to a different culture, dealing with immigration policies, and sometimes facing discrimination are challenges many Zimbabweans encounter. However, we navigate them through resilience, strong community networks, and a commitment to excellence in whatever we do. Through social media, community groups, and organizations like ZLP, we stay informed and engaged with what’s happening in Zimbabwe. Many of us also contribute financially to support families or community projects back home. I have been fortunate to receive recognition for my work in the UK, including being awarded the Global Health Partnerships' UK Africa Diaspora Healthcare Champion Award, Queen's Nurse Award and speaking in Parliament. These moments have made me feel valued. However, there have also been times of isolation, particularly in the early years of settling here. It’s through community support and constant engagement, that I’ve been able to overcome those moments.
Bridging the Gap
More cultural and professional exchanges would help. When people interact, they understand each other better. I’ve seen firsthand how UK-based healthcare professionals working with ZLP in Zimbabwe come back with a new appreciation for the country and its people. The diaspora plays a crucial role in telling the real story of Zimbabwe—not just the struggles, but also the talent, innovation, and strength of our people. By excelling in our fields and giving back to Zimbabwe, we help reshape perceptions. Through ZLP, we’ve facilitated exchanges between British and Zimbabwean mental health professionals. We bring UK-based nurses and doctors to Zimbabwe to train and share resources, and we also invite Zimbabwean professionals to the UK for further development.
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 curated by the British Embassy in Harare demonstrating the strong people-to-people relations between the UK and Zimbabwe.
