The Rainbow After The Rain

For early childhood educator Raihana, becoming an ECDA Training Award recipient gave her the motivation and confidence to fulfill her dream and concentrate on doing well at school.

 

Every child deserves to be loved and cared for. As an early childhood educator, it is important to me that the children are happy to come to school.

My dream was to pursue a Diploma in Early Childhood Education after my 'O' levels. However, life did not always go as planned. I did not do well for my 'O' levels so polytechnic was out of reach. As the saying goes, "There's a rainbow always after the rain", I was elated that ITE offered me a place in the Higher NITEC in Early Childhood Education course. I was also very fortunate to be given the ECDA Training Award. I enjoyed what I was studying and eventually, my hard work paid off when I was accepted into the Early Childhood Education course at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

I am now an Early Childhood Teacher at My First Skool, Blk 312 Sumang Link.

My children are amazing. They are always curious and willing to learn new things every day. They are naturally carefree and get excited over te little things around them, for example, the sound of birds chirping and even raindrops! As an adult who is busy at work, I sometimes forget to appreciate what I have. However, the children teach me not to take anything for granted and to cherish every moment.

 

Majority of the parents of the children at my centre are working adults. I really wish that they can spend more quality time with their children. It can be as simple as cooking, reading or exercising together. Doing things together will allow parents to understand their children better. I also provide frequent updates to the parents on their children's progress in school to ensure that parents play an active role in their child's development in school too. Home-school partnership is crucial in ensuring that our children thrive in both environments.

 

For whatever little achievements I have, I would not be where I am today without the help of my caring lecturers at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (such as Mrs Tian) and ITE (such as Ms Dorcas), who believe in their students. At my centre now, I have a great team of colleagues and a very supportive Principal. I am very grateful for the many opportunities given to me. Anything is possible once you set your heart and mind on it!

Click here for more information on the ECDA Training Awards.