Four young men graduate as early childhood teachers
Four young Wellington men are celebrating their graduation as early childhood teachers, as part of an innovative and
inspiring programme to get more men working with young children.
The men were initially part of the “Y Men” programme run by He Whānau Manaaki o Tararua Free Kindergarten Association, a
programme that placed young men into six-month positions working alongside qualified kindergarten teachers. From that
six-month placement, several young men decided they wanted to go on and become qualified early childhood teachers. This
is the second group of Ymen to graduate with degrees in teaching.
Dean Hodge is working at Adventure Kindergarten in Whitby and says he’s pretty excited about graduating, and relieved
that he made it.
“It’s just amazing. I had doubts at the start but I had the support from whanau, colleagues and friends, and I didn’t
want to let anyone down, or to let myself down.”
Dean says he wakes up every day looking forward to work. Having a young daughter at the same time as he was studying has
helped confirm that he was doing the right thing.
Dean also enjoys being a role model to other young men, and to children who may not have fathers involved in their
lives.
He says he is glad of ongoing support as he starts out as a teacher. “It’s just the beginning – you are constantly
learning. “
John Wikitoa is at Nuanua Kindergarten in Porirua and he too says he made it through his teacher training because of the
amazing support he has had.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be getting a degree.”
John who was on the unemployment benefit prior to getting involved in the Y-men programme, says his success has
encouraged others in his family to consider the possibility of further education.
The others to graduate are Lano Issako and Charles Lewis. All four completed their qualifications through Te Rito
Maioha/Early Childhood New Zealand.
Two more Ymen graduates will be completing their teaching degrees this year.
Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens has supported the men to gain their qualifications, with mentoring, work placement and
study support.
Chief executive Amanda Coulston says teaching is a great career and it is important that young children have a variety
of role models to relate to – including young men.
She says these young men will be role models in their community, and can encourage other men to think about a career in
early childhood education.
More than 5,600 children aged six months to six years are involved in early education through Whānau Manaaki
Kindergartens, and the organisation employs almost 1,000 staff including more than 600 teachers.
Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens is a community based not-for-profit organisation offering 100 per cent qualified teachers
in 85 kindergartens throughout Horowhenua, Kapiti, Porirua, Wairarapa, upper Hutt and Wellington.
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