Noma from Zimbabwe

In this episode Manchán speaks with Noma from Zimbabwe. Noma, a model, grew up in rural Zimbabwe, tending cattle and growing vegetables and cereals. At age twelve she moved to South Africa with her parents and ‘was exposed to many things there. We used to go to the library to study, and play netball, and go swimming.’ There was more freedom than with her grandmother but still, ‘I prefer my grandmother’s way because the respect was there. In a rural area when you meet someone you greet them, you help your neighbourhood, but in a township you let your neighbour do whatever.’

The sense of possibility and lack of bribery is something she values in Ireland; that people will help without demanding something in return. ‘Here, the sky is the limit. We can still fulfil our dreams. I can do the things I wanted to do back home that I didn’t get a chance to do.’

Home Stories was funded by Creative Ireland alongside the county councils of Laois and Westmeath.