9. Unseen obstacles – Nature-based learning and barriers to nurturing a relationship with the natural world, with Shaza Khan

In Episode 9, I’m joined by Shaza Khan, Montessori educator, creative and mother, nature writer and poet, and a beautiful soul with immense wisdom to share. Shaza studied Literature and Art in college but was encouraged to pursue business, and so began her career in telecom and database administration.

When the opportunity to study and work in education arose, Shaza embraced it and became a Montessori teacher, teaching children aged 2-12 years both in Pakistan and in Canada where she lived, worked and raised her young family for over a decade.

Shaza has since returned to Pakistan and following major shifts in her personal life has embraced nature writing, poetry and a closer relationship with the natural world. However, this has not come easy, as there remain many barriers to nature connection for women living in Pakistan.

In this episode we talk about nature-based learning and the ways in which this helps soothe, nurture and spark curiosity in children. We also explore some of the barriers to developing a relationship with the natural world for women and girls living in Pakistan. The tangled web of constraints that prevent many women from spending time alone out in the natural world and the barriers that continue to prevent women from contemplating the pursuit of nature-based careers.

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Mentions and resources

Kathryn Aalto's creative non-fiction courses: https://kathrynaalto.com/

Connect with Shaza

Instagram: @migrainemuse

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Music © Rachel Catherine: linktr.ee/rachelmusic