Storytelling, kindness and courage: Onjali Q. Raúf visits Slemish College

Onjali Q. Raúf at Slemish College

(Images: Cindy Robinson Photography)

Pupils at Slemish College in Ballymena have begun a special three-day programme with one of the UK’s most celebrated children’s authors, Onjali Q. Raúf, as her school visit got under way on Tuesday, 27 January.

The award-winning writer and children’s rights activist is spending three days at the school, engaging pupils in conversations around storytelling, empathy and social change.

During her visit, Onjali is speaking to students about two of her bestselling novels, The Boy at the Back of the Class and The Letter with the Golden Stamp, sharing the inspiration behind the books and discussing how stories can help young people better understand the world around them.

Mr Michael Bennett, principal at Slemish College, with children’s author Onjali Q. Raúf

Reflecting on the first day of the visit, Slemish College described the occasion as “a real privilege”, highlighting the impact of the author’s message on pupils.

In a statement shared after Tuesday’s sessions, the school said:

“It was a real privilege to welcome author and activist Onjali Q Rauf to Slemish College today.

“Onjali shared her passion and inspiration for writing, alongside her commitment to working with refugees and creating a more kind and just world. She encouraged students to ask questions and enjoy the adventures this will take you on.

“A thoroughly enjoyable day. We look forward to welcoming Onjali back tomorrow to speak to Year 9 and 10 students.”

Onjali with a keen and captured audience of students at Slemish College in Assembly, the classroom, and of course signing books.

First published in 2018, The Boy at the Back of the Class tells the story of a schoolgirl who befriends a refugee boy newly arrived in her classroom.

The novel has sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide, been translated into more than 40 languages, and won multiple major children’s literature awards, including the Blue Peter Book Award.

A stage adaptation of the book has also toured theatres across the UK and Ireland, bringing its themes of kindness and courage to new audiences.

Onjali’s more recent novel, The Letter with the Golden Stamp, centres on Audrey, a young girl who sets out to bring happiness to others by sending handwritten letters. The story explores themes of loneliness, connection and compassion in a modern world — topics that resonate strongly with young readers.

Plenty of smiles and laughter

Speaking ahead of her visit to Ballymena, Onjali Q. Raúf said:

“I’m really looking forward to visiting Slemish Academy and meeting the students. I love hearing young people’s thoughts about the characters and ideas in my books — especially their own views on kindness, fairness and what it means to stand up for others.”

Alongside her writing, Onjali is the co-founder of Making Herstory, a charity supporting women and girls affected by inequality. Her school visits are widely recognised for being lively, warm and thought-provoking, encouraging pupils to reflect on the power of compassion and the importance of using their voices.

Onjali making new friends with the students at Slemish College

The visit will continue over the coming days, with further sessions planned for Year 9 and 10 students, offering more pupils the opportunity to engage directly with an author whose work has become a staple of classrooms across the UK and beyond.