Places

Date: 26 Aug 2003

From: We call it home; State Housing history project

By: Omer, Fatuma Mohamed Ali, active 1990-2003

Reference: OHInt-0872-14

Description: Interview with Fatuma Omer, born in Port Sudan, east Sudan, of the Bija tribe. Mentions that one grandfather was governor of Sudan when it was under Egyptian rule. Discusses the eastern part of Sudan being disadvantaged and Bija people being exiled by the government. Mentions a school she established and the government stopping it. Talks about being harassed, tortured and imprisoned and a son becoming disabled and brain damaged through a lack of food. Discusses taking a bus to Addis-Ababa, being followed, and what happened to family members. Refers to being accepted for settlement in New Zealand in February 1998, but being kidnapped. Talks about arriving in New Zealand with no luggage, not knowing where the refugee centre was, and giving birth three days later. Refers to leaving children behind. Comments on the Refugee and Migrant Service helping her find a small house and then to move to another state house because of the needs of her disabled child. Talks about her feelings about the house and how it differs from the houses she lived in in Sudan. Comments on having a good relationship with Housing New Zealand. Talks about needing to know how to prepare for winter in New Zealand. Mentions caring for her disabled child as well as doing all the housework. Discusses food that she likes and her sons' preferences. Discusses activities with neighbours in a multi-ethnic community. Mentions having political problems with other Sudanese. Refers to being separated from her husband and life being easier without a husband. Interviewer(s) - Ben Schrader Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-015654 - OHC-015655 Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 1.38 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5621. Search dates: 1990 - 2003