Nicas: ‘Sometimes I really felt like a superstar!’

Nicas Ngumba is back in Tanzania, having spent six weeks in the Netherlands taking part in Schools4Life . He is full of impressions and stories. And no wonder, after such a long period in a country that is completely different from your own. And imagine: Nicas had never travelled abroad before!

Nicas: ‘I received gifts everywhere and often I was even asked for my autograph! Not only on paper, but also on T-shirts, hands and even the occasional belly! I felt just like a superstar.’

‘The Netherlands were a mega-experience for me, which far exceeded my expectations. I really felt at home. I’ve experienced so much, along with the other members of my tour-team. We toured the Netherlands together for four weeks, like a small family. It is a great privilege that Dutch youth receives AIDS-education and I really hope you will use it in a positive way. I have tried to convey that AIDS is no joke. I know what it feels like to have friends or family living with HIV and I really hope the students learned something from my story .’

‘What maybe made the greatest impression on me was meeting gay people. There were a few in the Dance4Life Tour Teams. I had never before talked to someone who’s gay. In Tanzania, being gay is not considered to be normal and gay people don’t have a great deal of freedom. But during the tour, these people have become my friends and they have taught me a lot. They made me see things differently!’

‘I still receive loads of e-mails from the Netherlands, from students I met during the tour. It’s great! I wish all of you lots of success in all you are doing and if you ever visit Tanzania, come and have a cup of tea at my place.
KARIBUNI! (welcome!)'