Karateka with a Heart for Care and Art
Zaida de Sousa: Karateka with a Heart for Care and Art
Zaïda de Sousa grew up in Mozambique. Painting and ceramics were her passions at school, alongside karate. Karate took her to international tournaments; she lived in South Africa and Portugal and chose Belgium a few years ago. At Crescendo CVO, she takes Dutch and care courses.
Zaïda De Sousa: “Martial arts opened many doors for me: in South Africa, I could train and teach. 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. There, I found peace and met my current husband. Now we live in Lot, where I founded a karate club. My main motivation is raising my children: good education, quality of life, and safety. We are well integrated here and everyone is happy. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that we chose Belgium: as a child, Jean-Claude Van Damme was my big idol. It’s my dream to meet him and show him our karate club.”
Dutch as the Key
“In Belgium, connecting with people sometimes worked in English, but often I hit a wall. A teacher of my children referred me to the integration program, which helped me understand Belgium better and also the attitude toward newcomers. Learning the language was an important step, so I started Dutch lessons at Crescendo CVO in Halle. After the second module, I chose to train as a care worker and became a volunteer in a residential care center.”
Care as a Calling
“Caring for the elderly is a calling for me. My mother is my great role model. After her stroke, I cared for her for four years in Portugal. Working as a care worker connects me with her and gives me energy, even when I’m tired. Caring for the elderly is one of the most beautiful professions. It doesn’t feel like work, but a privilege to listen to their experiences and stories. These people were once young and independent, and now they rely on our care. One day, we will also need that care.”
“In class, I usually sit alone at the back, not because I’m unsocial, but because the lesson requires my full attention. Although I may not be the best student, I see the training as a great responsibility. Caring for people and improving their lives demands full concentration.”
Dreams as Focus
“It would be amazing to study nursing. Healthcare attracts me because there are so many possibilities and because you work with people. It’s more than a job; it’s about passion and purpose. I also want to continue developing as an artist, with painting and ceramics.”
“By combining work and study, I want to be a good role model for my children. At home, we speak Dutch more and more; the youngest two attend a Dutch-speaking school, and my husband is now also learning Dutch at Crescendo CVO. I am grateful for what Belgium offers 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 must continue pursuing your dreams.”