There’s an African expression that loosely translates to “No matter how far away you go, don’t forget the way back home.” While that is a paraphrased version, it emphasizes a belief that we deeply value at NALA: staying connected to home. Leaving Africa for another continent is a journey of a few thousand miles which is already quite the distance. Coupled with the differing time zones and differences in schedules, it can feel like you are constantly trying to keep in touch with those you’ve left behind. As hard as it is, committing to maintaining connections is hard work that has to be done. Because connecting home and the diaspora is NALA’s priority, we wanted to share some tips to help you stay connected with loved ones back home in Africa.
Find and Build a Community
One of the biggest culture shocks for most people who move to Western countries is how individualistic the society is in comparison to the communal style of living in Africa. Chale, nobody send you. You are “OYO” (on your own). Hence, one of the first things to help you stay connected with home is finding a community that feels close to home. Most people will tell you that the first time they hung out with a group of fellow Africans in their new country was probably one of their happiest days. Events such as the Go Africa Carnival in New York City – an annual celebration of African, African-American, and Caribbean cultures from all parts of the world – are something to be part of. Every year, the carnival brings artists and performances to three stages, showcasing dance, art, music, and dress from various regions throughout Africa and the Caribbean. You will dance and vibe like you’re having the time of your life with your friends in Africa, which you technically are.
However, if you live in a smaller city, you may not have the Go Africa carnival, but there are usually other events and African gatherings. Joining groups like the African Student Association (ASA) at local universities is a great way to connect with others who share your heritage. You can use LinkedIn or ASA to find people with African names in your city, especially through the universities in the area. Likewise, being part of a church, mosque or other religious communities is another way to connect with people from African and Caribbean communities. Once you find one or two people, they will lead you to the others and just like that, you are connected with home.
Schedule Consistent Conversations with those at Home
Sustaining relationships with family and friends at home after moving to a different time zone is one of the more complicated parts of immigration. Depending on where you live in America, Europe or in your new country, there could be anywhere from a five-hour to eight-hour difference in time zones. Considering that at the time you are at work, your family could be shutting down for the day and vice versa, it can be challenging to find a consistent time to chat and connect with those at home. However, it is important to make it a priority because there is immense emotional and mental benefit to staying connected with those who love and care about you the most. On some of the lonelier days, video calling with your parents, siblings, and friends can be the escape from plenty wahala.
As you set up your daily or weekly checklist, try to schedule a time to speak with loved ones probably around the weekend. On the days you are unable to make the scheduled phone calls, be sure to send a message. It is important to let your loved ones know that you constantly think about them. It can make a difference in both your day and theirs.
Send Love Home
When you speak with family back home, you will be aware of their needs and wants. While you cannot help everyone with everything, sending support whenever you can is a nice way to stay connected. We suggest having a strict budget for sending love home through NALA based on your monthly income which can be shared based on needs. For example, your “sending love home” budget could be sent to your parent(s) for their birthday or support for your sibling at school. Since we have the best rates, you can be sure that your money will yield significant naira, cedi, or shillings. We think this is a win-win for all involved because, in the end, love always wins.
In the lyrics of the South African musician, Master KG, “No matter where you go/Remember the road that will lead you home,” we have an important reminder about one of the most important ways of reconnecting with our roots. As much as possible, plan to visit home. Nothing can compare to touching down and seeing the Welcome to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, or (fill in your home country) sign. There is joy in hugging those you love, being present with them and taking in those special moments after a long time. As much as we have to live away from our home country, we do not have to disconnect our hearts from it. We can still be part of nurturing and building the Africa that we desire, and at NALA, we want to be part of each step of the journey.
