Sandstone Author Remzije Sherifi Awarded OBE

Sandstone Press is delighted that Remzije Sherifi, author of Shadow Behind the Sun, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List for services to refugee integration in Glasgow. Remzije has been an inspirational figure since her arrival in Scotland with her (now late) husband, Sebahudin, and family.

The Maryhill Integration Network, of which Remzije is former director, has long been recognised as a leader in the field of asylum seeker and refugee integration, and this has much to do with her innovative methods and commitment. Her personal history includes a professional career as a broadcast journalist in her hometown of Djilan in Kosova, sadly terminated by the troubles and atrocities that were perpetrated on the Albanian Kosovar people in the closing years of the last century. It includes being held under siege with her wider family and escape to the Stankovic refugee camps in Macedonia before flight to Glasgow and what has turned out to be her future life.

In 2013, Remzije became one of the Saltire Society’s Women of the Year, following other recognitions at city level. Their encomium can be read here: https://www.saltiresociety.org.uk/remzije-sherifi

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, speaking of all the awardees said: ‘The service and dedication of our successes, from the arts, education and sport to business, charity, community cohesion and science has helped to promote Scotland all over the world and benefited people throughout society.’

In a Facebook post, Remzije described the King’s recognition as ‘a crown above all’ and dedicated ‘this decoration from the heart to my grandchildren, my family, all my comrades in my life journey full of challenges and all Albanians, wherever they are’ (translated from Albanian).

All of us at Sandstone Press are enormously proud of our association with this strong and brilliant woman. We can pay no better tribute than to present the radiant closing chapter of her book, Shadow Behind the Sun, aptly titled ‘Going Home’ - visit the Sandstone blog to read the full chapter.