Lucia Vambe: UK Africa diaspora healthcare champion

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.

Moving to another country has provided me with a fresh viewpoint. Although I continue to appreciate the charm and fortitude of my homeland, it has become clear to me how lacking our healthcare system can be, especially when it comes to mental health care. This realization led me to establish the Zimbabwe Life Project (ZLP), an initiative aimed at contributing 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 rich cultural background remains alive through my professional endeavors, social engagements, and fundamental principles. It’s important for both my kids and others close to me to grasp and cherish our Zimbabwean customs.
Values such as respect, fortitude, and communal solidarity resonate strongly within me. Sharing aspects like cuisine, melodies, and narratives helps preserve these elements of my roots; however, none do so more significantly than working alongside ZLP. This organization unites medical practitioners across the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe.
I continue to observe national festivities specific to Zimbabwe, prepare authentic meals, and actively participate in local Zimbabwean communities. The essence of Ubuntu—our philosophy emphasizing mutual humaneness—is not only embedded in how we live together but also influences everything I undertake professionally and personally each day.

Links Between the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe

A deep historical bond exists between these two nations, and numerous Zimbabweans residing in the UK sustain robust connections back home. The healthcare industry, specifically, witnesses considerable cooperation—a realm where I have had the honor to participate via ZLP. It is my conviction that Zimbabweans based in the UK garner respect due to their diligent efforts and invaluable inputs, notably within domains such as healthcare and education. Nonetheless, misunderstandings regarding Zimbabwe persist. This prompts me to emphasize the significance of disseminating uplifting narratives concerning ourselves and our capabilities. As individuals, we serve as connectors—in various fields including commerce, academia, medical services, and community projects. For example, ZLP facilitates interactions among mental health practitioners from Britain and Zimbabwe, fostering an advantageous interchange of expertise and know-how.

Experiences of the People from Zimbabwe Living Abroad

Adjusting to a new culture, navigating complex immigration rules, and occasionally experiencing discrimination are common hurdles faced by many Zimbabweans. Yet, our strength lies in our resilience, robust community ties, and dedication to achieving excellence across all endeavors. We remain connected with events in Zimbabwe via platforms such as social media, local community groups, and initiatives like ZLP. Additionally, numerous individuals send financial aid to help their families or fund various community efforts back home. Personally, I’ve had the privilege of receiving acknowledgment for my contributions in the UK, which include earning awards from the Global Health Partnerships as an African Diaspora Healthcare Champion and becoming a Queen’s Nurse. Speaking at parliamentary sessions has further validated these achievements. Despite this validation, there were instances where feelings of loneliness predominated, especially during the initial stages of resettlement. Nonetheless, overcoming these challenging periods was facilitated by communal assistance and active participation within supportive circles.

Bridging the Gap

Increased cultural and professional interactions could prove beneficial. Such engagements foster greater mutual understanding among individuals. Having witnessed this first-hand, healthcare workers from the UK who collaborate with ZLP in Zimbabwe return home with enhanced respect for both the nation and its inhabitants. The Diaspora significantly contributes to sharing an authentic narrative about Zimbabwe—highlighting not only challenges but also showcasing the ingenuity, skills, and resilience of our citizens. Their success in their respective professions coupled with support towards Zimbabwe aids in altering perspectives. Via ZLP initiatives, we have enabled interaction between mental health experts from Britain and Zimbabwe. This involves bringing NHS-affiliated medical personnel to Zimbabwe for training purposes as well as resource-sharing activities, alongside hosting Zimbabwean practitioners in the UK for advanced learning opportunities.

Individual Thoughts and Ambitions for Tomorrow

Zimbabwe will forever be my homeland. Although I do not reside there permanently anymore, my passion remains focused on enhancing mental health care within the nation. Significant advancements in healthcare facilities might lead me to spend more time actively involved there. My desire is for others to look past the negative press coverage and recognize that Zimbabwe encompasses far more than just its difficulties—it harbors an abundance of smart, diligent, and inventive individuals. The land brims with untapped possibilities, and with appropriate backing and governance, it has the capacity to flourish immensely. Be steadfast in staying true to yourself, seize every opportunity, and consistently contribute towards uplifting your origins. Integrating into your current surroundings is essential; however, remembering your beginnings should never waver. Regardless of our geographical locations worldwide, each one of us holds a stake in molding Zimbabwe’s destiny.

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  This column is presented by the British Embassy in Harare, highlighting the robust ties between the people of the UK and Zimbabwe.