My name is Nkosi Ndhlovu. I’m 35 years old and come from Zimbabwe. I didn’t have the chance to go to university, but that didn’t stop me from pursuing a career in electrical engineering. I worked as a technical sales engineer for 10 years.
I came to Ireland in March of this year as an asylum seeker. Unfortunately, my application is on hold due to Covid-19. I don’t have family here, but I have made very close friends in Ireland that I consider a part of my family.
What do you like most about Ireland? What are some of the challenges of living here?
The weather is one of the most interesting things about Ireland. It’s amazing to have all 4 seasons in one day and Ireland is always green and beautiful. I am really interested in Technology so with all the tech companies that are based here, Ireland is a great place to be. I also think the education system here is excellent. Finally, I am always impressed by the kindness of the Irish people.
As an asylum seeker, there are many challenges to living in Ireland, but I think it’s important to say how grateful I am to the Irish government for giving me the opportunity to come here.
As a refugee, the biggest issue in everyone’s mouth is the system of Direct Provision. There is so much uncertainty about how things work and how long it will take to get a decision on our applications for asylum. It is also difficult not to be able to open a bank account or get a driver’s license and especially not being able to use the skills we have.
How did you get involved in volunteering?
I had never volunteered before, but I wanted to become a volunteer to give back to the community in Ireland.
Volunteering gave me the opportunity to meet and chat with local people and offered me the chance to learn more about the culture in Ireland. I wanted to use my skills, but also learn new things and have new experiences.
Volunteering can be difficult for Asylum Seekers because of the language barrier. Sometimes it’s hard to volunteer if you don’t have transportation. Also, at a reception centre like Balseskin, we don’t know how long we will be here and can be moved anytime, so we can only do short term volunteering.
What was it like to volunteer as a Street Ambassador?
For me it was very interesting to interact with Irish people for the first time. My profession is sales, so communication is important. It was easy because I really like to interact with people. It reminded me of my work.
I was surprised by how happy people were to stop and get information about shops and facilities that were opening up as the restrictions eased. People were smiling and thankful for the information, but also happy to just to have a chat.
I volunteered for 3 days and I really enjoyed it. I hope I have the chance to do more volunteering in the future.
What are your hopes for the future?
I’d like to get my refugee status as soon as possible so that I can move on with my life and create a permanent home here. I would love to get back to work and continue to build on my experience and education. I really want to contribute and help Ireland to continue in its position of being the most welcoming country in Europe! I would also like to give more to Irish society through volunteering.
I want to help bring black and white people together to build a community together because Black Lives Matter. As refugees we have a lot to contribute and we want to use our skills to help improve the Irish economy and society.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I’d like to thank all the people who have helped me since I arrived in Ireland including the staff at Balseskin and Dublin City Volunteer Centre.
No matter who you are or where you come from everyone one of us can make a difference. I know without a doubt, that we will overcome these difficult times. And just like our broken family, this broken world will be way more beautiful. Let’s stay safe and protect one other until we meet again.
