Saturday, 18 February 2023
How are you today?
I am doing well, thank you.
That's good to hear. What are you up to these days?
I am currently a student, studying Slovenian language so that I can start a school for medical nurses. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse myself.
How long have you been living in Slovenia?
I have been living in Slovenia for 15 months now.
What differences have you noticed between Slovenia and your homeland of Somalia?
In Slovenia, education is free, making life easier for me. Additionally, there are many opportunities available to me. However, there are also cultural and food differences. I really appreciate the beauty of the Slovenian countryside.
What is something about Somalia that you do not like or wish could be different?
The lack of peace and safety in my country is a major issue. There are armed groups of people that make my country unsafe. Most of my people are poor and they have no money to send their children to school. Education is not accessible for everyone, and many people who do have a degree are unable to find work. We see them sitting at home and eating family food.
What prompted you to leave Somalia?
There were various reasons, including personal family issues and a desire for a better life.
What is your relationship like with your parents?
I have a good relationship with my mother and three younger sisters.
Do you miss your family back in Somalia?
Yes, I miss them a lot. I am currently working on getting my family to join me in Slovenia. I work hard for them to come here.
How about your father? Do you have any contact with him?
He is alive and he lives in Somalia. I do not have any contact with him. He started another family now.
What did you dream about for yourself when you were a child in Somalia?
When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. Later on, I also aspired to become a fashion model. However, I came to understand that pursuing a medical degree requires extensive dedication to studying, passing exams, and obtaining certifications. As a result, I decided to become a nurse instead, which aligns more closely with my interests and strengths.
I was really impressed with how you led the photo session, almost as if you were an experienced model. Have you worked with photographers before?
No, this was actually my first time.
Well, during the session, you seemed to know exactly when to make changes and how to move with the flow of the shoot. Your body posture looked great in every shot. Have you practiced on your own before?
Well, the only practice I've had was taking photos with my friends on my phone. I also watch a lot of models and observe how they pose. That's probably where I learned it from.
I must say, you have a real talent for modeling and it's impressive that you've taught yourself so much. Congratulations!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.
What do you think about the photos from the shoot?
I think they look great, and I enjoyed the experience.
Let’s get back to your story. You must have been very brave to come on your own to Europe.
Yes. I left Somalia when I was 17 years old. Now I am 22 years old. It was a long way. I traveled to Libya first. I stayed in Libya for 4 years. Then I crossed the sea and asked for asylum in Italy. I lived in Italy for 8 months near Bari. The EU program for refugee relocation brought me to Slovenia. I came because I thought that maybe my life would be better. Now I have asylum permission here in Slovenia for 10 years.
Do you have any Slovenian friends?
No, I have no Slovenian friends.
Who do you hang out with?
I hang out with some African friends. I have an African friend who lives in Maribor, and when she comes we go dancing at Shooters club and have fun. I also attend international workshops where I meet a lot of people. I met a Slovenian girl at these workshops who I feel close to.
What is your fear in life?
My fear is to lose my family or someone close like my family.
You must miss your mother and your sisters a lot. This is difficult to handle.
But I feel I will meet them soon.
Are you proud of yourself for making this big dangerous step in your life?
I am so proud of myself because I did something not a lot of people can do. I feel I am a strong woman. Libya was really scary. Now I am here and I want to go forward in life.
What does being a strong woman mean to you?
Being a strong woman means facing challenges and solving problems even when it seems impossible. It means fighting for oneself and others, and never giving up on what you believe in.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself with a stable job, possibly working as a nurse. I also hope to be financially stable and doing many things that make me happy.
What keeps you motivated and gives you strength?
Believing in myself and having a good heart motivates me to keep going. Wanting a better life for myself and my family also gives me the strength to persevere.
So you believe in yourself that you will be able to do it?
Yes, absolutely. I may face setbacks and challenges along the way, but it's important to hold onto the belief that one day, I will be able to achieve my goals. Persistence is key. You just need to keep trying, even if it means failing a few times before eventually succeeding.
That's a great attitude to have. So, Najma, what does love mean to you?
To me, love is all about family. They are the ones who truly love and support you no matter what. I remember when I was living in Libya, my mother was always there for me, even though she was all the way in Somalia. For me, love means family.
That's a beautiful sentiment. Thank you for sharing that with me. Finally, I just want to say that I wish you all the best in your career. It was an honor to be your first professional photographer.
Thank you so much for the wonderful photos.