NZTC enables world class experience for Associate Teacher

NZTC Associate Teacher Angii Leevers has many highlights from her week spent at the World Forum on Early Care and Education – from insightful plenary sessions and pop-up workshops, to the inspirational presenters and early childhood education professionals from around the world.

“It is hard to put into words how this experience has influenced my thinking, other than it has inspired me to want to be more and do more – not just within our borders but internationally too. I am already looking at how I can take my team to the next World Forum,” said Angii.

Associate Teachers of the college had the opportunity to enter to win a full registration for the event hosted in Auckland in May.

In her winning entry Angii shared how attending would enhance her work as a centre manager and founder of the EduFiji Kidz Charitable Trust – a non-profit organisation that she founded in 2011, which supports and empowers early childhood teachers in Fiji.

One of Angii’s many highlights was a presentation by World Forum National Representative Analesi Tuicaumia – director of Little Ones Learning Centre and the Mobile Kindy project in Fiji – about the emotional effects of global warming on children.

Angii explained, “I met Analesi on a previous trip to Fiji, and she showed me first-hand the work that they do. Hearing her message at the presentation and the following day’s plenary session made me realise how much we can affect change if we really want to.”

With more than 700 delegates in attendance, Angii met and engaged in discussions with early childhood education professionals from countries like Rwanda, Canada, Ghana and the United Kingdom.

Angii Leevers and Analesi Tuicaumia

“A proud moment was when the kids from New Windsor primary school performed a kapa haka,  sharing the rich culture of New Zealand with delegates,” said Angii.

She has already started to implement her learnings from the forum, particularly environmental sustainability. “We have had our first preliminary discussion about going completely plastic bag free in our centre, and how we can be more sustainable and make our families a part of the journey.”

Attending the World Forum has left Angii inspired to be an agent of change in the early childhood sector, and she is grateful for the opportunity to attend.

“I am so thankful to NZTC for letting me be a part of such an amazing event. I have made wonderful new friends, learnt so many new things, and just being a part of the event, the atmosphere, and listening and engaging with others in sharing our passions about ECE has been one of the dearest memories I will treasure.”