The Author
Fatmatta Kanu has always been a writer.
Fatmatta is the family correspondent, keeping in touch with relatives, friends and acquaintances. The trend continued even more so when she moved away from her home country of Sierra Leone - writing letters back home from Edmonton, Canada where she moved as a newlywed in the 60s. Her writings exist in the diaries she kept through life from adolescence and young adulthood in Sierra Leone, continuing through student days abroad and during her husband's diplomatic career in Europe in the 70s and 80s.
Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone in 1941, she completed her secondary and teacher's certification there, then spent 15 years studying and working in Canada, England, Germany and Brussels with her husband, Dr. Sheka Hassan Kanu. During that time and beyond, Fatmatta added to her rich perspective through diverse work experiences as a teacher, librarian, researcher, city councillor and cross cultural facilitator. Fatmatta completed a degree in History with a minor in education from the University of Maryland, and a Masters in International Relations from Boston University. She completed those studies while supporting her husband in the diplomatic service and raising between eight and a dozen children at any given time.
Fatmatta is the family correspondent, keeping in touch with relatives, friends and acquaintances. The trend continued even more so when she moved away from her home country of Sierra Leone - writing letters back home from Edmonton, Canada where she moved as a newlywed in the 60s. Her writings exist in the diaries she kept through life from adolescence and young adulthood in Sierra Leone, continuing through student days abroad and during her husband's diplomatic career in Europe in the 70s and 80s.
Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone in 1941, she completed her secondary and teacher's certification there, then spent 15 years studying and working in Canada, England, Germany and Brussels with her husband, Dr. Sheka Hassan Kanu. During that time and beyond, Fatmatta added to her rich perspective through diverse work experiences as a teacher, librarian, researcher, city councillor and cross cultural facilitator. Fatmatta completed a degree in History with a minor in education from the University of Maryland, and a Masters in International Relations from Boston University. She completed those studies while supporting her husband in the diplomatic service and raising between eight and a dozen children at any given time.
Wherever she has lived, Fatmatta has contributed to her communities through volunteer service and participation in civil societies, such as the Sierra Leone Women's Peace Movement, as a radio and TV host on Islamic issues and as a leader at the multicultural family centre in British Columbia to name a few. She continues that tradition in her current community of Mississauga, Ontario where she is a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), Ontario, the Writers and Editors Network (WEN) Ontario, Sierra Leone Muslim Jamat in Toronto, Toronto branch of the Annie Walsh Old Girls Association (AWOGA) and volunteers for social and religious organizations whenever possible. She has won awards in recognition of her service.
As an author, Fatmatta's books take readers through her journey. They give readers insights into West African traditions, the experience and shocks of living in different countries and cultures. Now in retirement age, Fatmatta is motivated to tell her stories as a legacy for her children and many grandchildren.
As an author, Fatmatta's books take readers through her journey. They give readers insights into West African traditions, the experience and shocks of living in different countries and cultures. Now in retirement age, Fatmatta is motivated to tell her stories as a legacy for her children and many grandchildren.