Zaida de Sousa: Karateka with a Heart for Care and Art
Zaida de Sousa: Karateka with a heart for care and art
Zaida de Sousa grew up in Mozambique, where her passions were painting and ceramics. In addition to art, karate played a significant role in her life. This martial art led her to international tournaments, life in South Africa and Portugal, and eventually to Belgium. Today, she studies Dutch + care at Crescendo CVO.
Zaida de Sousa: "Martial arts opened many doors for me. In South Africa, I honed my skills and started teaching. With my Portuguese ex-husband, we moved to Portugal, where I taught karate and kickboxing. After our divorce, a karate workshop brought me to Leuven, Belgium. There, I found peace and met my current husband. Now, we live in Lot, where I founded a karate club. My main motivation is my children's education, their quality of life, and safety. We've integrated well here, and everyone's happy. It’s perhaps no coincidence that we chose Belgium, as Jean-Claude Van Damme was my childhood hero. It's my dream to meet him and show him our karate club."
Dutch as the key
“In Belgium, I could sometimes communicate in English, but often hit a wall. One of my children's teachers recommended an integration program, which helped me better understand Belgium and its attitudes towards newcomers. Learning Dutch was an important step, so I began taking Dutch classes at Crescendo CVO in Halle. After completing the second module, I chose to study caregiving and now volunteer at a nursing home."
Care as a calling
“Caring for the elderly is my calling. My mother is my biggest inspiration. After her stroke, I took care of her for four years in Portugal. Working as a caregiver connects me to her and energizes me, even when I’m tired. Caring for seniors is one of the most rewarding professions. It doesn’t feel like work but more like an honor to listen to their life stories. These people were once young and independent, and now they rely on us. One day, we’ll all need that care too."
“In class, I usually sit at the back, not because I’m unsocial, but because I want to focus entirely on the lessons. While I may not be the best student, I see this training as a huge responsibility. Caring for people and improving their lives requires full concentration.”
Dreams as a focus
“I’d love to study nursing. The healthcare field fascinates me because of the many opportunities it offers and the human connection it involves. It’s more than just a job; it’s about passion and purpose. Alongside, I also want to continue developing my skills as an artist, working with painting and ceramics."
“By balancing work and study, I aim to set a good example for my children. At home, we speak more Dutch now; my two youngest children attend a Dutch-speaking school, and my husband is also learning Dutch at Crescendo CVO. I’m grateful for what Belgium has given us and for the warm community in Lot. With my story, I hope to inspire other migrants to embrace Belgium and learn the language. With hard work and focus, you should always pursue your dreams."
