Yahoo News Zimbabwean post-grad student returns to Galloway ahead of new university term
A post-graduate student from Zimbabwe returned to Galloway last week as he prepared to complete a year’s study in Scotland.
Natsani Brandon Dube has finished exams for his masters degree in statistical ecology at the University of St Andrews and is about to begin his dissertation.
He stayed with Roland Chaplain and June Hay in Balmaclellan for a few days break and got the 5.30am bus to Edinburgh on Saturday.
The couple helped Natsani through a tortuous visa application process and welcomed him into their home last August before he started his masters course on the Fife campus.
This time around the 27-year-old enjoyed trips to the CatStrand to meet with Galloway and South Ayrshire Unesco Biosphere and community representatives on Tuesday, and to The Usual Place in Dumfries and Dalry Town Hall on Thursday, where a drop-in session on land use and the local place plan was being held.
Natsani told the News: “I’ve come back to Galloway for a visit and it has been lovely sharing ideas on things like climate change – that’s how we start to learn.
“At the moment there’s a drought in Zimbawe and most people did not harvest much – it’s been a disaster for many farmers.
“It’s also important to take account of those with disabilities – we are not affected by climate change and we need to reach everyone and try by all means to be inclusive.”
He added: “I’m really enjoying my time in Galloway – people are kind and welcoming and I love the landscape.
“It’s amazing to hear the voices of the birds in this beautiful place in springtime.
“And I am enjoying my time at St Andrews too – my fellow classmates and supervisor have been very supportive.”
Mr Chaplain was delighted to have the young Zimbabwean as a guest for a second time.
He said: “Natsani met with Jenna Cains from the biosphere to discuss ideas for a link up with other Unesco biosphere projects in Africa, which was great.
“It’s been worth the 14 months of struggling through the visa application process to get Natsani over here.
“But we can’t forget that many people in the Global South do not have the capital behind them so they can come and study in Scottish universities.
“Luckily in St Andrews a lovely person has given Natsani accommodation close to the university at a token rent.”
Last summer Natsani also spent time with Morag Paterson and Ted Leeming on their 11-acre croft near Dalry.
Last year was his first time in Scotland and at Mossyard he saw the sea for the first time.
