Young author publishes memoir highlighting challenges of illegal migration
By Abdirahman Khalif |
Her book, divided into 11 chapters, is written in the form of poetry. It recounts her life experiences and warns readers, particularly young girls, about the risks of illegal migration.
Taslima Mohamed has published a memoir titled "I Can: The Girl from the North," which reflects on her life and the struggles she faced, including a harrowing experience in Holland. The book, written over six years, delves into her journey and seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal migration.
Born and raised in Mandera, a town in northern Kenya, Taslima is the eldest in a family of 14 siblings.
Keep reading
She completed her primary education in 2014 and later joined Loreto High School in Limuru, where she was sponsored by the Wings to Fly program due to her academic excellence. Despite her achievements, Taslima faced numerous challenges, which ultimately inspired her to write her story.
In 2023, Taslima attempted to migrate to Canada in search of better opportunities. Like many young people in Kenya, she struggled to secure employment after completing her studies.
She had earned a diploma after secondary school but found no job prospects in Kenya. Driven by her responsibilities as the eldest sibling and the need to support her family, she decided to seek a better life abroad.
Author Taslima Mohamed has published a memoir titled "I Can: The Girl from the North," which reflects on her life and the struggles she faced, including a harrowing experience in Holland. The book, written over six years, delves into her personal journey and seeks to raise… pic.twitter.com/021IPmQslP
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) December 9, 2024
Her journey, however, took a difficult turn. While transiting through Holland, she was arrested at the airport and detained for two weeks. She later applied for refugee status and spent three months in a refugee camp.
Life in the camp was challenging, with limited rights and harsh conditions. Unable to continue her journey to Canada or establish a stable life in Holland, Taslima sought assistance from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to return to Kenya.
Returning home was another hurdle for Taslima. She was met with disappointment from her family, who had hoped she would endure her struggles abroad rather than come back. This reception deepened her determination to share her story and complete her book.
"My family wanted me to persevere and stay in Holland or find a way to Canada, but I chose to return and rebuild my life," she explained.
Her book, divided into 11 chapters, is written in the form of poetry. It recounts her life experiences and warns readers, particularly young girls, about the risks of illegal migration.
"Being a Somali Kenyan and a lady, what I went through pushed me to write it," she said. Through her memoir, she hopes to prevent others from making the same mistakes.
Currently, Taslima is a student at Mount Kenya University, pursuing a course in Business Management.
In addition to her studies, she volunteers with community-based organisations, using her experiences to give back to society. Her time in Holland taught her resilience and the importance of helping others.
Reader comments
Follow Us and Stay Connected!
We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!
Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!
Latest News For You
