Adapting to the new culture has been gradual and there are elements that help keep the connection with her origins alive. “When I feel homesick, I tie a capulana. It’s something that comforts me and reminds me of where I come from,” explains Guilamba.
Far from his homeland, Kailane Guilamba is an example of how Mozambican youth are gaining space and voice in other parts of the world and accepted the challenge of sharing his life experience with the magazine “MozaVibe”.
He currently lives in Taiwan, an island located in East Asia, in China, known for its rapid technological development and competitive educational system. There he attends a Business Administration course.
Part of the new Mozambican academic diaspora, Kailane represents a growing movement of young people who leave the country in search of knowledge, but who remain rooted in the culture and causes that move them.
“Getting there required effort, the selection process was rigorous and included months of training and preparation, but the real challenge began with the change of environment. Being out of my comfort zone, in a culturally different country with more demanding teaching methods, forced me to adapt quickly and, above all, learn to be independent. Studying abroad is rewarding, but also challenging. The way they teach here is completely different from that in Mozambique. Despite the differences, I feel welcomed,” she says.
Adapting to the new culture has been gradual and there are elements that help keep the connection with her origins alive. “When I feel homesick, I tie a capulana. It’s something that comforts me and reminds me of where I come from,” she explains.
However, her experience in Taiwan is not just about academic life. Kailane explains that she is developing projects and intends to work in rural communities with a view to inspiring more young women and girls, especially in areas where early pregnancy among teenagers is still a worrying reality.
“In these spaces, I will have the opportunity to advise and inspire young people, especially girls, to fight for their dreams. It makes sense to be able to talk to them, to show them that it is possible to dream and go further,” she continues.
The passion for representing Mozambique is present in everything she does. Whether at cultural events, food fairs or international meetings, Kailane never misses an opportunity to showcase the beauty of the country, from its traditional food to its typical clothing.
“Whenever I can show our culture, I am there. Because it is a way of contributing to the positive image of Mozambique outside the country,” she says.
Like many young people from the diaspora spread across countries such as Portugal, Brazil, South Africa and China, Kailane carries in her choices the desire for a better future, not only for herself, but also for her community. Facing challenges with maturity, she sees in them opportunities for growth.
“Learning to be independent is one of the greatest lessons. And challenges shape us. They make us grow,” she commented.
With firmness and simplicity, Kailane shares her experience with “Mozavibe”, who represents a Mozambique present in the world, open to knowledge, faithful to its roots and determined to build bridges between cultures.
(By Rafael Langa)
