Surviving by Asmaa khan book launch

Speeches by Asmaa Khan, Taahira Rubidge Sayed and Saaleha Idrees Bamjee

When I read Asmaa’s blog post the first time I never thought it would end like this. I enjoyed reading the post and the Nani character attracted me to the book instantly. It was well written and although it was fiction it dealt with real life issues that many are facing.  I decided to promote the blog on my website. It was always Asmaa’s dream to have a book. Her grandfather infamously known as Mamajee from Bronkhorspruit was an avid reader and she had a dream of placing her work in his library.  Asmaa decided to stop the blog and pursue her dream to get her book published.  It was then I decided that I would attempt to publish a book. I researched and found out what needed to be done. I consulted many experts. I consulted with Saaleha Idrees Bamjee from ShootCake to assist us with the cover. I approached Taahira Rubidge Sayed from RDLB Digital design house to help us with the mammoth task of typesetting the book. Asmaa and I sat for nights on end trying our best to polish the book burning the midnight oil while our families were fast asleep.

Our biggest challenge was to ensure it got printed before 21 March and get books to Durban and Cape Town so we could launch the book at the same time.  The response for the book was overwhelming and we could not keep up with the reservations. Surviving by Asmaa Khan was launched on 21 March 2014 at Nizamiye  at the Purple heart chariTea.

It was a huge learning curve and an exciting project.

Purpleheart ChariTea

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Mariam Fakir and her team of volunteers did an excellent job. Jazakallah All money raised from here will go towards Nisaa Institute for Women’s Development in Lenasia.

• Mariam Fakir – cupcakes and organisation of the Purple heart ChariTea
• Tasnim Jadwat Casoojee –  Tea stuff
• Fatima Laher – Milk
• Naqiyah Mayet for organising sponsors
• Stashy’s for the utensils
• Khadjia Mahomed for decorations
• Basheera Mayet for flowers
• Theshni Govender for flowers
• Haroon Moolla Scarves unlimited – purple Table clothes
• Ribbons by Moosa sales room
• To all the volunteers that assisted on the day with the selling of the Purple heart cupcakes and tea.