“I am because we are.” That is how Tatenda, a young student from Zimbabwe, describes his philosophy of life. It is a translation of the African principle of Ubuntu. It is a way of life and the key to how he managed to feel at home so quickly in Rotterdam. “It is important to connect with different people when you are new to a city. That was my first priority.”
Tatenda was born in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe (Africa). He left his native country at a young age and grew up in South Africa and later in Geneva, Switzerland. He now lives in Rotterdam, where he moved in 2022 to study at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
Belonging
And now he feels really at home here. “In Geneva, everything is expensive and less geared towards young people. Here, you have affordable cafes, parks, and meeting places everywhere. The city is really alive.“ Rotterdam not only feels young and lively to him, but above all inclusive: ”I immediately felt like I belonged. At university, I saw student associations from all over the world: Arabic, Caribbean, African. I didn’t feel different or alone. Compared to the other cities i lived in, is, the diversity here unique. You never really feel ‘different’.” And he saw more surprises: “People run outside as soon as the sun shines,” Tatenda says with a laugh.
Remember home
Despite his love for Rotterdam, he likes to remember home through small habits. “In Zimbabwe, British influence has created a real tea culture. I still drink a cup of tea every evening. That simple ritual connects me to my roots.”