‘Never stop believing in your ability to change' – Woman escapes political unrest in Mozambique to pursue a better life in Wexford

Irish Independent

05-05-2025

Liu, who is currently 28 years old, lived in Mozambique with her parents after returning from South Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, her former partner Ashley Maher found himself unemployed as the economic state of the country was very bad.
"When he lost his job a second time, we completely lost all hope,' she admitted.
However, with his grandfather being Irish and holding Irish citizenship himself, they thought it would be a good idea to move to Ireland. In the meantime, he travelled to England where he worked to save money for their big move and received a job offer in Enniscorthy where he now works in Centra.
Despite the issues in Mozambique, the big move has been bittersweet, especially since her parents and other relatives still live there.
"Our life was nice. Mozambique is very beautiful and warm and the food is amazing, but it is not a great place if you want access to opportunities. I wanted to do something with my life.'
A big concern is the political unrest in her home country following the 2019 elections and claims of fraud by opposing political parties.
During the elections, held on October 15, President Filipe Nyusi of the ruling FRELIMO party was re-elected with a large majority of the vote (73 per cent), with his main challenger of the opposition party RENAMO receiving just 22 per cent.
As a result, RENAMO and other parties accused FRELIMO of ballot box stuffing, voter intimidation and manipulation of the electoral process.
This led to widespread protests, violence and hundreds of deaths, that has ignited once again following the 2024 election with FRELIMO keeping power once again.
"It is not great there, there is a lot of uncertainty because of the post-election crisis. There is a lot of violence between the police and public because everyone wants truth and proof as there has been a lot of fraud. It is really upsetting because my family is there, you can't really enjoy life with that in the back of your mind,' she explained.
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Despite these worries, Liu is currently doing an apprenticeship with Roban Financial that allows her to pursue her education at the same time, with hopes that she can realise her childhood dream.
"Growing up I always imagined myself as a big businesswoman with a suit and heels. I didn't know what I wanted to do but I wanted to so something to change people's lives. I started doing an economics degree and worked in the bank sector which I loved.'
"I didn't imagine that I would go into life insurance because it is not a big thing in Mozambique and not a priority. I just got my own first life insurance here in Ireland,' she added.
When she initially arrived, she got an online job for six months with Ulster Bank which suited her as her son Luka, who is now four years old, was too young for the creche. In a lucky twist of fate once that contract ended and she was looking on the job market, it was Roban Financial who reached out to her.
"I was really nervous when I went for the interview because I felt that I didn't have the qualifications, but I was completely honest with them. They told me I would have to do a course and get qualifications. I couldn't finish my course in Mozambique so I saw it as a second chance and I took it.'
The Insurance Practitioner Apprenticeship called 'Earn and Learn' is a three-year programme, which enables apprentices to earn a full-time salary, whilst studying remotely for a BA Honours Degree in Insurance Practice.
The work-based training programme combines academics delivered remotely through ATU Sligo (Atlantic Technological University) with on-the-job learning, allowing apprentices to acquire technical and business skills while studying towards a degree.
47 per cent of all graduates have achieved first class honours, with the programme having one of the highest percentage of females in an apprenticeship with a near even split of 53 per cent females and 47 per cent males.
The programme recently celebrated its tenth anniversary with an event featuring Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless. They are now accepting applicants for the 2025 programme.
Balancing motherhood, work, and studies is difficult, but Liu said she wouldn't change it for the world.
"My life is really crazy and busy, but I wouldn't change it for anything. I do my best at work, then come back and wind down with Luka before we eat and I put him to bed and then I go to the gym. I try to study three times a week so I either go to the gym of study.'
"I recommend this apprenticeship ten times of ten. For someone new in the sector it makes it so much easier to study what you are doing and putting it into practice,' she said.
Outside of work, she has been greatly welcomed into the community by her neighbours and the various community groups. And although her and Ashley are no longer together, they remain great friends who are dedicated to co-parenting as a team.
"Enniscorthy is so charming with all the historical sites. The community is so warm and welcoming as well – I go to workout in a group and I am involved in the Brazilian community. They really welcomed me because I think my culture and their culture has similarities. I have had no negative interactions so far.'
Most of all, her son Luka has had no issues setting into the community, though the Irish weather was difficult to become accustomed to.
"He was the first one to get settled in so early. He loves his little friends at creche and our neighbours know him and greet him, sometimes stopping in the middle of the street to talk. It is amazing,' she laughed.
Given the journey she has undertaken to get to where she is today, she is full of advice for people who find themselves in her previous situation.
"I would say never stop believing in your ability to change and embrace it with an open heart. Everything will fall into place eventually.'
'I am a firm believer in that what we give is what we get. So just try to do your best,' she added.