Migrants see their stories in print
Their stories are full of colour and humour, but five migrants to New Zealand are still getting used to seeing their words in print.
Hana Sabie, Njat Al-Lami (originally from Iraq), Tessie Demicoli (Malta) and Beh Meh Reh and See Neh So (Burma) have, with the help of Porirua Language Project, produced books about life in their home countries.
Funerals, marriages, schooling, life at home and leaving their homeland are common themes.
Enterprise co-ordinator Cecilia Johnson said the idea emerged from regular get- togethers the women would have.
‘‘I just saw that these women would be laughing and talking and thought, ‘ There are great stories here that could enrich our culture’, and it went from there,’’ she said.
The three books were a year in the making and came with funding assistance from Porirua City Council’s creative communities grant, Johnson said.
Writing her story in English with Johnson wasn’t easy, said So, but it was an enjoyable process.
She has been in New Zealand for nine years and though she misses her family in Burma, she loves life in New Zealand.
She is particularly proud of having her driver’s licence and enjoys learning English.
‘‘The cold is difficult here, but I enjoy life,’’ So said.
‘‘I have written my story so my grandson can one day read it.’’
Her story is one of hardship, but So said it was meant to inform and make people laugh, too.
Al-Lami said the constant state of conflict in Iraq made New Zealand ‘‘a paradise’’. She has been living in New Zealand since 1994 – her husband died before she left.
‘‘There is just so much war. I am sad for Iraq and still get sad when people speak so badly of my country.
‘‘But I love New Zealand – my heart is in New Zealand now.’’
Sabie said seeing her words in print and knowing the books were in schools was a real thrill.
‘‘You could not find a better culture than where I live now,’’ she said.
‘‘ But it is important to talk about where I came from, too.
‘‘It was good for me to do and I hope people enjoy reading our books.’’
The books cost a donation of $10 and are available from the Porirua Language Project, under the Canopies in the city centre.