Chris Uys has been involved in community life in Abbeyleix since he moved to Laois 20 years ago.
Since then, he has married with his partner Marie, raised two children, Seán (17) and Sinead (13) and is heavily involved in the Abbeyleix bog project.
We spoke to Chris about moving from a country 10 times the size of Ireland and the cultural difference between the two countries.
When did you move to Ireland and how did you end up in Laois?
I moved to Laois in September 1998, so 20 years ago this year. I came to Laois because my wife Marie is from Portlaoise. She was teaching in rural northern Namibia.
What’s your favourite thing about living in Ireland?
My favourite thing about living in Ireland is the environment, I find it fascinating and so different to the semi-Arab land in Namibia.
Have you visited your home country much since you left?
I go back as a visitor. We went back on a family holiday two years ago but it gets harder now as the kids grow up.
Have you noticed any changes since you left your home country?
Namibia has gone through many changes since becoming independent from Germany in 1990.
Environmentally, there have also been great changes in Namibia. It became the first and only country to have its entire coastline protected through a national parks network and it is focusing on protection of the environment for future generations.
What have learned most since arriving in Ireland?
Since we’ve had our family in Ireland, I would say I’ve learnt the most from raising two children! I’ve also learnt a lot in my 18 years on Abbeyleix bog, from my tourism training course on what was then the Laois LEADER (now the Rural Development Programme) and through working for Heritage House in Abbeyleix.
What’s the biggest difference between Ireland and your home country?
They are very different, but then again not so different in other ways. Namibian people do have many traits of German people as Germany colonised Namibia, so Namibians are generally quite open and direct. Irish people do tend to see lighter side of life.
You can’t compare apples with oranges, everything has its own wonder.
Do you meet many people from your home country living here?
I have met one woman from Namibia who now lives in Tullamore, she’s a nurse in the Mater Hospital.
What do you miss most about your home country?
I definitely miss the sunshine in measure!
Will you return to live in your home country at some point in the future?
Only to visit. My soul is Namibia, but my heart is in Ireland.
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