Fleeing Syria in a wheelchair: Nujeen Mustafa’s harrowing and incredible journey

Nujeen Mustafa has the sort of personality that instantly lights up a room. Sounding wise beyond her 18 years, the young Syrian author is bursting with energy and enthusiasm, eager to discuss her journey so far as well as what she has accomplished and wants to achieve.

“I’m pretty much a quiet person, but I like complicated things,” she told MySalaam. “I love physics, and one day I would love to become an astronaut. But in case that doesn’t work out, there’s ‘Plan B’: to become a professional writer.”

It’s difficult to believe that the well-spoken teenager taught herself English by watching US shows. It’s also difficult to believe it was only a few years ago that she was forced to flee Kobane, Syria. In 2014, her hometown became the centre of the conflict between ISIS militants and Kurdish fighters, forcing her and her family out of the country.

It was a gruelling journey, as she recounts in her debut book Nujeen: One Girl’s Incredible Journey from War-torn Syria in a Wheelchair, which she spoke about at this year’s Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Born with cerebral palsy, Nujeen has spent her life in a wheelchair, which affected her chances at receiving a proper education in Syria. But considering that she’s already achieved her ‘Plan B’ at the age of 18, we’re sure she has endless accomplishments ahead of her.

Here’s what else she had to say during her first visit to the UAE.

For those who haven’t read your story yet, how would you describe yourself?

I’m a Kurdish Syrian girl who currently lives in Germany. I’m a bookworm. I love having fun, but I’m a nerd, as Americans say, you know. As for hobbies? I pretty much love reading and listening to music. My favourite type is classical.

You mentioned earlier that your ‘Plan B’ was to become an author. But you’ve already achieved that!

It’s ironic, because I didn’t expect my first job or my first official title to be a writer. But it’s cool to have had this opportunity at such a young age. To make people imagine [and] dream with you and live your story.

How did the book come about?

When I arrived in Germany, there was a lot of media attention. The idea of a book was introduced after I became acquainted with [journalist and co-author] Christina Lamb, who previously was the co-author of I Am Malala.

From the moment the book was confirmed, I knew that I had the stressful responsibility of representing the refugee crisis, to be a voice of the suffering. Also for my personal identity as a Kurd; many people don’t know what Kurdish is. It’s the story of us all, but I just had the privilege of being the teller.

What is the main thing you want to achieve with the title?

To restore this feeling of Syria, what it really is. When you used to hear about Syria, you used to hear about the great food and the people’s sense of humour.

Many people feel helpless not knowing what they can do to make a difference. What can the public at large do to help, in your opinion?

Maybe just by empathising, by showing compassion and thinking. For people to put pressure on the government.

What are the things that you want to achieve by the end of the year?

I want to move on to the 10th grade and I’m going to go to college and do my best to study physics to maybe become an astronaut. I’m really looking forward to the day when everything will be fine, and everything will be brought to fruition. I’d love to meet the Queen! I think the Queen of England is amazing, and as a strong woman, she’s a role model for people around the world.

*All images courtesy of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

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