By Macdonald Chimbizi in Warsaw, Poland
The Zimbabwe International Student Community in Poland risk destitution as the lure of a better life in Europe proves irresistible but with devastating consequences.
Speaking to young people on the ground at the sidelines of a Youth conference, I recently attended revealed a myriad of problems and issues including incessant cases of mental health breakdown, multiple attempted suicides and immigration problem Boss have been at the forefront as ambassadors leading the recruitment of Zimbabwe international students to Poland.
Zimbabwean Social media influencers like Madam Boss have been at the forefront as ambassadors leading the recruitment of Zimbabwe international students to Poland
The age groups, I found on the ground are young with little or no life skills to equip them for a tough life in Poland with language proving to be a major barrier.
Poland is seen as an easy first step arrival destination for young Zimbabweans as they hope to study and then proceed to UK as a final destination with nursing being the most oversubscribed field.
A few who are on the entrepreneurial side are having to do what it takes to survive and fend for themselves. One particular case is that of a young student who is now helping to provide and charge accommodation for a With a return to Zimbabwe as a nonstarter, it is the female students who are at the mercy as some find themselves in a sticky situation and may end up ‘prostituting’ themselves to make ends meet.
The 4 days spent in Warsaw have been an eye opener as it represents a ticking time bomb as the influx into Eastern European nation continues.
Loud calls are now being made for the government of Zimbabwe to establish an embassy presence in Poland to serve the burgeoning international student community. Currently the nearest consulate is based in Germany which I made to believe is now crossing over into Poland to provide immigration & consulate support.
The majority of the students came via South Africa and were doing everything it takes to leave the continent without a viable plan with an insatiable fixation of migrating to the UK as a final destination.
l also sensed a spirit of camaraderie within the Zimbabwean community as they step in to support one another as some experience grief but with no resource to Some churches have made significant inroads by establishing a church to provide a place of worship, spiritual support, and counselling services to help the predominantly young student immigrant population in places like Lublin and Warsaw
One positive aspect to also celebrate is the resilience that the young people here are displaying in order to escape the poverty and lack of opportunities in Zimbabwe that has served as a catalyst to their departure from the Southern African nation.
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