Jamila
“I was born in Afghanistan, I moved to Pakistan when I was a one year old as a refugee with my family.
I grew up in Pakistan and finished my school there. I learned English, I did computer classes, learned sewing and also I did makeup classes. I moved back to Afghanistan to continue my studies, I did my bachelor in business and I got married.
Because of the situation, we couldn't stay there anymore, so we moved to Indonesia. The first year was very difficult for me. As refugees in Indonesia, you're not allowed to work, no study, nothing. Most of the people don't understand English, so you have to learn their language.
I was trying to find a way that I could learn the language easily. I started watching dramas on YouTube. So then I learned Bahasa from that and a friend, and she learned English from me. Then I was speaking five languages. After a while, I was working as an interpreter and for a short time, I found a job at an international school as a teacher.
We were on the shortlist to go to America. You know, sometimes God wants to put you somewhere. We got a call from the sponsor group that wanted to help us come to New Zealand. How is it possible? We waited there for six years through UNHCR. I can say we were lucky. I have been here for one year, and with the sponsor group, we are like a family now.
I first went to Share Kai for the Ōtautahi Welcome Dinner. I said, ‘this is my place’. when I am among the people and talking with people it gives me energy. When we went there, we met different people. Now I have lots of friends from different countries.
When we heard that there's an opportunity for the Riccarton Sunday Market, I said, I will do it!
My food stall is called ZJ kitchen. Z is for my husband, and J is for Jamila, for me. The story for the ZJ is that we are a ZJ family. When we got married, we decided that when we have kids, we'll put the name starting with Z or J. So now I have two sons, their names start with Z, and I have one daughter who starts with J.
I believe that food is something that everyone needs every day. What I do means a lot to me. When I'm at the market, if someone eats the food they ask, do you have a restaurant? I tell them about Share Kai.
I am one of the leaders at the Cooks Collective, we run the Share Kai Cafe which is open for lunch on the first Friday of every month at WEA. We talk, we laugh and we enjoy the food. I hope one day everyone knows about Share Kai.”
- Jamila
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.3% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.6% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Poll: Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦
Canterbury, you have a hidden treasure right on your doorstep ... though it does come with a 1.5-hour walk up the stunning Rakaia Gorge Walkway.
Along the trail you’ll find The Fantail Shop showcasing small artworks by local artisans. Even better, every purchase supports the Fantail Trust, helping protect and restore biodiversity on the north bank of the gorge.
So we’re curious: would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? (And for local biodiversity, of course 🌿)
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32.2% Yes!
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67.8% No thank you.
Weekend Beginners Pilates or Tai Chi
I am looking for those residents that would be interested in either the power of Pilates for strengthening their backs and core or want or to experience the power of Yang Style short form Tai chi and its many relaxing qualities and benefits.
There is a possibility of doing one or the other depending on the level of enquiries Saturday mornings 9am in the Beckenham area.
The cost is dependent on the hall provider and the amount of clients interested. Basically, the more Beginners that are interested the less the cost. Simply reply here via message neighbourly or 0212089196 by the Monday the 9th of February. Ta Roger Beginners joining entered into prize draw for a day pass to Hanmer Springs Pools. (rules applied}
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