Story time with Injila Wajih

woman @ work

Injila Wajih is a Montessori teacher and author for children’s books. She resides in Toronto, Canada with her family. She inherited her love of teaching and writing from her mother. “I had watched her run a Montessori school successfully and win awards for her short stories. She was a role model for all us siblings of how to be a strong independent woman. I want to lead a purposeful life and pass on the torch to my daughter. I’m humbled by the opportunities sent my way and want to make the most of them. I’m also grateful to my husband for his support in all my endeavours and want to send out a message to all men, please trust and support the women in your life they will only make you stronger,” she emphatically says.

A Montessori teacher by profession, Injila completed her Bachelors from DHA College in Karachi. “I worked in Froebel Education Centre as a teacher and librarian for five years and then moved to Canada. I studied for my Montessori diploma course in Toronto and now working as a directress in a Montessori school. It was my dream to work as a Montessori teacher. I love the philosophy behind it. My classroom has children from 2.5 to 6 years of age, in the same environment. It’s a challenge to deal with the different age groups and keep up with their different educational and emotional needs. But I love to see their journey and growth by the end of the year.”

While teaching, Injila simultaneously published her first book last year in August 2020 and second book was published this year. They are both children’s picture books. “I wanted to highlight our culture in them, so children, specially living in the west, can read it, relate to it and feel proud to be Pakistani.” The first book is ‘Khizer’s Brave Truth’ and the second one ‘Let’s Celebrate Eid Aao Eid Manaein’ - both in English and Roman Urdu. My journey was smooth but like any project required hard work and dedication. I wrote the story, did proof reading, and got it checked with a friend and my sister. I found an illustrator from Pakistan to work on my story and got it published myself here in Canada.”

It was last year, when the pandemic started, school closed down for three months that Injila started getting bored staying at home. “I decided to make a story time video for my school children. I read a famous children’s book, recorded it and posted it on my Facebook account. My school children loved it, family and friends encouraged me to make more videos. I started making one every day. I would read a book, present a Montessori activity very organic that could be easily done at home and sing a song. Everyone encouraged me to share them on YouTube. So I made a YouTube channel ‘Montessori and Story time with Mrs. Wajih’. I did live videos during Ramzan and children and I, both enjoyed it. Then one day I thought to myself, I’m reading other authors, why don’t I write my own story?”

The next day Injila came up with the idea of ‘Khizer’s Brave Truth’. The fun fact is before writing it down in English, Injila had narrated the story in Urdu on her channel. “Then this year before Eid I published my second book, ‘Let’s Celebrate Eid Aao Eid Manaein’”

A third story is now on its way. “I have been doing story time videos for libraries, children’s organisations and schools. I plan to do more of these. Also some people have reached out with interesting projects. It’s all about time management. I don’t want to take more responsibility than I can handle,” she shares.

“I love working with and for children. In other professions you might see the results and get the reward after a period of time but I feel rewarded every day when a child learns how to read or write. Or when I see them confident and happy. The pure joy when their eyes light up once they are able to do something for the first time. It’s when parents come in the morning and say our child couldn’t wait to see you or the hug that children give me at the end of the day. It’s magical and gives a wonderful sense of achievement,” she gushes.

Injila considers herself blessed to be in a profession where she mostly interacts with children and their parents. “People generally respect teachers and authors. I often tell people if I’m given a choice I would spend most of my time with children, I love their innocence, pure love and honesty. But I do feel a woman in any role always has to be on guard and watch her demeanour to avoid any unwanted challenges.”

On what are the main issues faced by the Pakistani women today, Injila believes, “I have always felt that our main problem is within us, meaning other women. We can be a huge strength and support for each other. We should fix each other’s crown. Yes it’s not always easy but let’s start from our home. For starters between our daughters and daughters-in-law. There are women who this and I salute them. I would like to see more of it in media too. We need to stand together in order to stand tall.”

When asked if there are any lessons learnt the hard way, Injila interjects, “I feel I’m very open in sharing my ideas about my story time videos and books with everyone. It’s strange to see someone doing exactly what I did and not acknowledging it. It’s ok to incorporate something you liked from my work but I would be happy and humbled if they said it to me. But I don’t think I can change the way I am. I think to myself it’s good they liked it enough to adapt it. And that way it’s reaching more people and hopefully I will get a share in the reward.”

Injila’s biggest accomplishment to date is, “When the first time I held my book in my hand and then watching my books being read on a Pakistani morning show, ‘Chai Toast aur Host’ for children’s story time. Also when I get to share my story time videos for causes close to my heart - I’m so grateful for these opportunities.”

Injila feels the general mind set of our society is gradually changing. “However, there’s much work that needs to be done. We all need to work on it. We need more awareness on education, women’s rights, protection of children, respect and equality of minorities, compassion towards animals, civic awareness and better understanding and practice of our beautiful religion.”

Her advice to women is, “Love and respect yourself. Be kind to yourself. You are enough in yourself, when you feel all that, others will reciprocate. Don’t disrespect yourself by running after the falsely created beauty standards. I love to dress up but not according to what others like. It should make me happy, I should be comfortable in my skin. Don’t stop the learning, if you enjoy embroidery, cooking or painting take opportunities that come your way. Try to keep yourself busy in a constructive way. Your mental health matters, take help if needed, don’t shy away from it. Speak up and stand up for yourself.”

A typical day for Injila starts early. “I spend around 8-9 hours in school. When I come back home I’m usually tired and don’t socialise on week days. I would rather do yoga, cook, and watch some TV and once a week attend a Quran class. The school does take up most of my day and the children soak up the energy. I feel to be able to work with dedication, discipline is important, so I keep my after work schedule simple and relaxing. I like to give it my best at my work place or any project I work on.”

Injila believes there’s a time for everything be it work or family. “I like to dedicate my energy and time between work and my family. Once home I try to spend my evenings with my husband and daughter. Friday evenings and Saturdays are for family and friends. Sunday I’m back at prepping for my school week. If we organise ourselves and try to keep some discipline we can lead a balanced life.”

“We are sent as leaders, each of one of us has a purpose. We need to recognise it and start focusing on achieving it. Gratitude is the key to all happiness, live with humbleness and humility. Do whatever good you can and leave the rest to God. Pure intentions and hard work go a long way. I can’t say it enough ‘be kind’.”

On choice of career, Injila believes, “Whatever you feel passionately about make it your profession. If you love something you will never get tired of it and even if it tires you out, you will do it with a smile. Don’t be scared of failures, trust me sometimes it takes a while but you would get the opportunity to shine. Don’t give up, trust the timing. There were moments in my life when I was not happy with the decisions I had to make but with time I understood how they worked in my favour.”

Future plans for Injila include writing more stories for children, continue doing story time videos online, “I love to meet children from around the world. My dream is to open a school for underprivileged children or to help the orphans. There are so many children who need our love and affection. Miles to go before I sleep.”