Onjali rauf biography
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Spokesperson Network
Onjali Q. Raúf
Founder of Making Herstory, set up in memory of her aunt. They support women's shelters, lobby for women's rights and join anti-trafficking movements. Author of children’s books ‘The Boy At the Back of the Class’ a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis and ‘The Star Outside My Window’ on the impact of domestic violence on children’s lives.
Domestic AbuseRefugee CrisisA self-declared feminist from the age of sju, Onjali specialised in Women’s Studies at Oxford University before working in a number of human rights charities. In her aunt was murdered by the husband she had been trying to escape from for over five years, highlighting the systematic failures around the constant abuse and murders of women in the United Kingdom. Determined to do something in memory of her aunt, Onjali set up Making Herstory. Today, Making Herstory has a network of active supporters across the UK and beyond. Working with agencies large and small, it works to m
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The Boy at the Back of the Class
Raúf's book is at once tearjerking and chuckle-inducing and will go a long way to restore faith in human nature.
Sunday Post
The Boy at the Back of the Class is the story of new boy Ahmet, a refugee from Syria, told from the point of view of an anonymous classmate. One who goes to (at times) hilarious lengths to make friends and give Ahmet a sense of belonging. The unexpected adventure that follows strikes the perfect balance between humour and poignancy, topped off with a terrific twist. The result is an unforgettable story that will find a home in the heart of every child.
Onjali Q. Raúf portrays the refugee crisis through the eyes of a child in a way that’s accessible, warm and funny. It’s a story about friendship and how naturally children celebrate, rather than fear, all our differences.
This book was shortlisted in:
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&#;The books transported her into new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived exciting lives&#;She travelled all over the world while sitting in her little room in an English village.&#;
– Roald Dahl, Matilda (One of Onjali&#;s Most Favourite Books of All Time) –
Name: Onjali Q. Raúf
Born: Newcastle-upon-Tyne (so I&#;m a Geordie lass at heart!)
Loves: Tetley tea, exploring new lands (in person and in books), and my Harry Potter pyjamas. Oh, and chocolate. I couldn&#;t live without chocolate!
Dislikes:Unkind people, racism and Marmite.
What inspired you to write The Boy at the Back of the Class? The many refugee children I have encountered during my aid convoys to the &#;camps&#; of Calais and Dunkirk (France). Most especially Baby Raehan, to whom the book is dedicated.
What would you change in the world if you could?Our world leaders. All of them. For kinder, more intelligent, and less narrow-minded people. And since I&#;m here changi