What I miss the most about my home country is the hospitality and strong sense of community where people find contentment even with the basics.

I relocated from Zimbabwe for work purposes. My decision to migrate to Australia was significant as I left my behind my 2 children, the youngest being a tender age of 2 years 4 months. The decision was driven by Zimbabwe’s struggling economy. Migrating through an employment agency, coming from an English-speaking country, eased my transition. Initially, it was lonely and challenging both at work and socially, but as I connected with other migrants, it improved. My Australian employer and work colleagues also made my transition smoother.

I ventured into acting, fashion modelling, makeup artistry, and launched a textile brand. To fellow migrants, I recommend researching settlement options and establishing connections with other immigrants.

Encountering racism has made me feel like I sometimes don’t fit in. I stay connected to my home country through adhering to traditional practices, embracing cultural living, and contributing financially to community members during bereavements.

Migrants could receive better support with information available in their languages and by connecting them with supportive groups or individuals.

My proudest accomplishments include raising two wonderful boys as a single mother; they are now 30 and 22 years old.

Facing financial hurdles to support myself and my family back home, I eventually overcame them after two and a half years. In 2005, my children joined me after I saved enough to bring them over. As a solo mom, new challenges arose, and the kids had their struggles adapting to new environments. The distance from family has strained our relationships.