Sharon Martin
Graduate - June 2008

Diploma of Teaching (ECE)
Hamilton Base

I have recently graduated with Te Tari Puna Ora o Aotearoa/NZ Childcare Association (NZCA) in June 2008. While studying my knowledge, confidence and competence as an early childhood educator has increased exponentially with each passing term. What is unique to the Association’s Diploma of Teaching (ECE) programme is an emphasis on learning that is a combination of practical and theoretical learning, and attuned to what it means to be working in this field in a very exciting time in the education of our young New Zealanders. Being passionate about working with children is the fire under my cooking pot, the learning is the soup and the richer the ingredients the better the meal!

I am particularly grateful for the Māori component, which has inspired me to understand my identity as a New Zealander. To embrace the Māori culture as an essential part of living in Aotearoa is to rediscover one's humanity and the connections we all have but may have forgotten, to our history, our heritage and our hearts.

Asoono Williams
Graduate – February 2008
National Diploma in Teaching (ECE, Pasifika)
Waitakere Base

Kia Ora! Fakalofa Lahi Atu! Malo Lelei! Bula Vinaka! Taloha Ni! Ki Orana! Namaste! Ni Hao Ma! and Talofa Lava.

My name is Asoono Williams. I work fulltime at Aoga Fa'a Samoa Early Childhood Centre in Auckland. I belong to the first batch of students who studied at NZCA for the National Diploma in Teaching (ECE, Pasifika) from 2004 to 2007.

When I started working in the centre, I had no experience and did not understand how to use early childhood guidelines. The Diploma programme provided me with lots of learning and knowledge about working and supporting quality centre programmes, especially promoting the quality in children's learning. I learned to use the early childhood curriculum documents. This study gave me more understanding about working and looking after young children. 

NZCA’s courses were easy to follow and very helpful for the students. For example, the 15 hours of the course spent in the centre was a good time for students to practice what they learnt in the class during each week or every module. I'm sure this idea was also helpful for the centres to ensure their roster ran smoothly.

The pouako and lecturers were so good and helpful. They offered lots of support to the students when they needed help.

So I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the lecturers and the staff of NZCA for their support. The National Diploma in Teaching (ECE, Pasifika) is a wonderful programme which gives our Pasifika people the opportunities to fulfill and upgrade their learning in teaching and working with our young children in Aotearoa.

May God bless you all.