“For me, human contact is the key to integration,” says Vincent with a broad smile. He grew up in Lusaka, Zambia, but has now lived in Rotterdam for almost half his life. What started as a summer romance grew into a new life in a city he now calls home.
Vincent first came to the Netherlands seventeen years ago. “I was 27 years old when I met the mother of my children. She was half Zambian, half Dutch and on vacation in Zambia. We fell in love and decided to start a family together. Then the question arose: who would move to whom? I said: I can come to the Netherlands. That’s how I ended up in Rotterdam.”
Modern, hard-working, and direct
He will never forget his first impression of the city. “Rotterdam is a beautiful city. Modern, full of impressive architecture. But what struck me most was how hard people work here, and how direct they are. I appreciate that: you always know where you stand.“ He also appreciates the creativity in the city. ”Rotterdam is buzzing with young, creative people. There’s always something new to discover. It keeps the city lively and inspiring.”
Making friends as a toilet attendant and creative person
According to Vincent, the transition to Rotterdam was easier thanks to the city’s cultural diversity. “The multicultural society here makes integration much faster. In a city that is less diverse, you feel like an outsider more quickly. But in Rotterdam, I immediately felt welcome. The only barrier was the language. Other than that, I felt at home.”
Although it wasn’t always easy to connect with the people of Rotterdam. “They can be reserved. It sometimes takes a long time before they let you into their circle. I even had to work as a toilet attendant in a nightclub to make friends. It took three encounters before people started greeting me and hugging me. In Zambia, that happens much faster—you connect immediately.”
In addition to his job as a toilet attendant, Vincent also sought contact with people by looking for people who liked the same things he did. “I’m a dancer and percussionist. I got to know a lot of people through the creative sector. I also founded African Bubble Massage, the first African massage parlor in Rotterdam. I also walk around the city in masquerade outfits. People talk to me and that’s how I make contacts.”
Structure versus spontaneity
He now feels like a true Rotterdammer and has even adapted to the Dutch structure. “Everything is planned, everything is signposted. You don’t have to ask anyone anything because the information is everywhere. In Lusaka, things are less organized, which can also have its advantages. Structure brings peace, but also stress. Still, I choose structure because it helps me get things done on time.”
Respect for the elderly
Vincent consciously carries certain traditions from his home country with him. “Respect for the elderly is very important in our culture. I ask older people how their day was or help them carry a bag. I do that here too, because it’s part of my identity. For me, social contact is the best way to heal each other as human beings.”
Helping girls in Zambia go to school
Vincent has now had a variety of jobs and found his place. But his gaze extends beyond Rotterdam. “My dream is to help girls in Zambia go to school. There are about 500,000 girls who can’t go to school right now because they have to walk ten kilometers every day. When I saw how many bicycles are lying around unused here in the Netherlands, I thought: why don’t we bring them to Zambia? A bicycle can change their future.”