When Precious Matumba journeyed from Zimbabwe to Ireland in 2018 as a candidate for international protection alongside her two sons, she had no documented evidence to prove her maternal relationship to them. Her sons, then aged seven and eight, underwent DNA tests to confirm their biological linkage to Matumba.
Initially, they sought refuge at Mosney Direct Provision Centre, located in Co Meath. Their residence at the centre spanned roughly two years. Matumba reflects on the support she received, which, in her view, was adequate. However, she found the direct provision system challenging and feels there were small chances to excel. She credits the social workers she liaised with for their help.
While residing in the direct provision centre, Matumba found herself receiving assistance that she was, initially, unaware she required. As per her recount, she was connected with numerous support mechanisms like Women’s Aid, psychotherapy services, adult mental health services, and much more.
Thrown into the testing circumstances of direct provision, coupled with the trauma of her past and the responsibility of her two children, life was not always smooth sailing for Matumba. Direct Provision itself, Matumba shares, was a distressing experience, stifling her capacity to dream or visualise a hopeful future.
Living on below €40 per week, with no right to work pending her work permit, and zero access to education or the majority of social services, Matumba’s situation was dire. She was educated in sociology and gender and personal education, but her credentials didn’t permit her to find work in the education sector in Ireland.
Apart from turning to care or manual jobs, she had no other options. However, even these were not feasible due to the physical disability she had incurred from past traumatic incidents. Matumba stresses her inability to perform any strenuous tasks, owing to her physical condition.
A woman named Matumba discovered via a social worker, Emma, that she was eligible to apply for a sanctuary scholarship to pursue a master’s in social work at University College Dublin. This institution is partnered with the Dublin Learning City Festival. Matumba was initially apprehensive, doubting her chances at both earning a spot on the course and attaining the scholarship. However, she was convinced by Emma that there was no harm in trying and, at worst, the answer would be no.
Ultimately, Matumba completed her application for both the programme and the scholarship, and was accepted into both. The course, which was full-time and spanned two years, would have been near impossible to complete without the continuous support Matumba received from various individuals and organisations including her lecturers and Dublin Learning City.
Her lecturers were even kind enough to offer her money for transport when necessary. Matumba recalls and appreciates their generosity, understanding how impactful it was in retrospect. After she left the direct provision, she felt unprepared, but fortunately gained assistance from the Irish Refugee Council in Dundalk, Co Louth to secure her housing.
Reality hit hard as she attempted to navigate day-to-day life in Ireland after having spent years in the secure environment of Mosney. The complexities of electricity, bills, gas and other facets of independent living proved difficult, but she persevered.
This was all exacerbated by the onslaught of Covid in 2020/2021 after relocating. With little help from others, as everyone was confined to their homes, Matumba found herself in a cold house, unable to activate the heat. Despite these complications, Matumba felt welcomed by the kindness and warmth she received from those around her in Ireland.
Matumba found herself in a state of confusion and desperation, unsure about how to navigate her new life. This led her to reaching out to Emma, her social worker. Emma came to her aid, assisting her in understanding her surroundings and exploring new possibilities such as joining local Facebook groups and securing places in schools and afterschool clubs for her children.
Matumba acknowledges that the warmth and compassion of the Irish was instrumental in helping them build an intimate connection with the society and the community. Matumba was so inspired that she decided to work as a social worker with the child and family agency, Tusla. For two years now, she’s been supporting people who are experiencing what she once did.
Coming from a marginalised group, Matumba was initially cautious. But the Irish acceptance and kindness won her over, making her feel entirely at home. Ireland offered her a sense of safety she hadn’t experienced before. She no longer lives with the constant fear for her and her children’s safety.
Her children have flourished in Ireland, forming good friendships and enjoying a standard childhood. For Matumba and her family, the love they have experienced in Ireland is overwhelming; it feels like home.
As part of the Dublin Learning City Festival taking place from 15th to 17th April at various locations in Dublin, they are inviting people who have moved to Ireland in the last decade to share their stories. This event not only offers educational opportunities but also a series of in-person and virtual events that promises fun and diversity.