Somalia refugee launches book in Zambia
“It started like a joke and I never knew it would grow to affect me like that. We were just hearing rumours of the war; little did we know it was that bad and deadly. Seated in Afmadow district in Somalia where I had not even completed my college studies, I saw people running in confusion in all directions and got alarmed. I talked to my siblings and we made quick arrangements to flee. In that state, we did not even know where to go,” reads part of Ahmed Abdirahman Abdi book entitled; Zambia: A land of peace and unity.
The uncertainties of how to cope with life in another country is one of the greatest challenges refugees like Ahmed face. However, Ahmed, 27, has managed to overcome this challenge; with the help AAH Zambia. Three years ago, under the Albert Einstein Refugee Academic Initiative scholarship programme, he continued with his education at Zambia’s Cavendish University. He is pursuing a degree in Economics.
He came to Zambia five years ago and settled at Maheba Refugee Settlement in North Western Zambia. In addition to continuing with his education, Ahmed has fulfilled a dream of writing a book, which is about his experiences in Zambia. The book was launched at the end of July in Lusaka, Zambia.
Speaking during the launch of the book, Ahmed said Zambia presents great opportunities for refugees; not only to experience peace but also access services such as education. “My book is about the peace and unity l have enjoyed in this country. In addition, to all the care and love given to us refugees by Zambians,” he added.
He is thankful of the support he has received from AAH Zambia, terming it as indispensable. “The encouragement l received when I started writing of the book up to this day, when it is being launched has been overwhelming. I remain indebted to this organisation and its partners,” Ahmed said.
He called on other refugee youth to rise above the challenges they face and take full advantage of the services organisations such as AAH Zambia are offering, to achieve what they had hoped of doing in their countries of origin.