Fatima Ahmed / Vivian Gerrand

Aukuì is the story of an extraordinary life that begins in Cambodia, an autobiographical book about a true citizen of the world. Born into a large family to a Somali father and a Vietnamese mother, the author, Fatima Ahmed, recounts the story in the first person of her family's migration from Cambodia to Somalia and, later, of her migration to Italy. 

Fatima Ahmed had an intense beginning to life after polio left her unable to walk until she was four and has since lived with impaired mobility. At 21, her family left Cambodia due to the war, migrating to Mogadishu, the capital of her father's homeland. After working as a French radio-announcer for Radio Mogadishu, against the odds and the will of her authoritarian father, Fatima managed to migrate to Italy where she still lives today.

The author's story was published by Italian Intercultural Association Eks&Tra in 2008 as this book, Aukuì, that she wishes to translate into English so a wider audience (including her family, many of whom do not speak Italian) can read it.

Aukuì is the story of a life fuelled by determination and desire that enable a physically impaired young woman to advance in the world, follow her dreams and maintain hope for the future.

This cosmopolitan book is a necessary antidote to the despair and destruction that characterise our times. Recovering and representing marginalised histories, Fatima's story breaks down exclusive and racist attitudes towards migrants and inspires readers with its optimism.

Fatima Ahmed has found a willing translator (Dr Vivian Gerrand, author of Possible Spaces of Somali Belonging) and is seeking funds to pay for this work of translating Aukuì.

Funds raised will be used to pay for the work of translation which the translator estimates will take six months. 

The author cannot afford to pay for this translation. The translator does not have the means to work in a voluntary capacity on this book.