By Ethan Benedicto
Fighting one delay after another, the day finally came for the official announcement of Wida Tausif’s third children’s novel, Ali Goes to School.
Held at Oakgrove Community centre on Saturday 8 February, Wida, alongside her family, friends, and local representatives such as River Gum Ward councillor Lynette Pereira, Quarters Ward Councillor Carolyn Eaves and Bruce MP Julian Hill, were all present for the reveal.
For Wida, seeing her work finally bear fruit was ecstatic, especially when it meant, not just for her, but for the children that she looks to reach, a step closer to a more inclusive and accepting environment.
“I’m feeling a little bit nervous but I’m also very, very excited, I’ve been waiting for this day for such a long time and now it’s finally here,” she said.
“This all doesn’t feel real to be honest, it still feels like a dream, but I also can’t wait to read a page out of the book and have the kids give me some feedback.”
Giving recognition to local talent has always been pivotal for councillor Pererira, and much like it is for Wida, she supports any initiative that “will benefit the kids in their learning”.
“Especially when it comes to learning about multiculturalism, I think a lot of kids here (Casey) can relate.”
She also added that having these messages learnt at a young age is important, considering that there is a lot of “division still in the community”.
Likewise, she recalled times when she was younger when she felt “invisible” since she didn’t “see herself in any books I was reading”.
“I think kids need to learn to get along with each other, and there is a powerful message in here that can help them, but also their parents, to foster good and respectful relationships between all ethnicities.
“But you’re also being recognised as being viable, as, you know, as part of the society that you live in,” she said.
It remains as a great leap forward when strides such as those made by local educators and authors delve into the messages and undertones of inclusivity, with Wida acknowledging the significance ofhaving leaders in local communities attend her event.
“This is extremely important, particularly so my voice can get out there and spread the message of the book,” she said.
“It’s not just a one-person job, so if I’ve got the councillors and parliament members here, they too are able to relay ny message and get my voice across to support those children.”
As for Hill, who has known Wida for nearly 10 years, he too understood the gravity the release held, not just for her, but for the wider Casey community.
“It’s terrific that we’re seeing homegrown Australian authors telling normal, everyday kid stories, but through multicultural characters.” he said.
“If we want to be a country where everyone feels included, where they feel a sense of belonging, then if you turn on the TV, look at parliament, listen to the radio, or read books and stories, you want them to reflect the community.”
He also said that considering that ‘Ali’ is a very common name, not just in Casey, but throughout the state, there is no question that characters of the same name should thrive in more novels, children’s or not.
While outside of the municipality, Wida, alongside Glen Education, will see her books open for reading for the young children across their 23 kindergartens.
Melissa, alongside her peers from Glen Education said it was a proud moment for them to “support one of our own”.
“We’re proud to support one of us, and to of course shine a light on what it’s like to make that big transition from kindergarten to school, but done from a multicultural lens,” she said.
The afternoon began with Wida taking her audience through her journey, where she also confirmed the second book in the series, set to release in the near future.
She also held short reading sessions for her two children and the others who were in attendance.
