My early work experiences. 4th May 2008

I have now had the opportunity to meet the people at the Department of Education and Training who I will be working with and some local early childhood teachers. My “counterpart” is Ms Thuy (sort of pronounced “toy”). Counterpart is the term used by VSA for the person who we work in collaboration with.

My understanding of my role is that the two of us will work together on the development of a project aimed at promoting the knowledge and skills of the early childhood teachers in the area. The main focus is on teachers working in remote or poor areas of the Binh Dinh province. Binh, a local employee of VSA, is my interpreter. She comes with me to meetings and visits. Working through an interpreter is somewhat challenging but Binh is great – without her this role would be impossible.

I first met Ms Thuy and the director of the Dept on Tuesday. This was a fairly formal exchange of greetings but I was made very welcome. On Friday I met again with Ms Thuy and had the opportunity to visit an early childhood centre. Eight of us, (department early childhood specialists and local teachers) met at the centre then went on a tour around. Early childhood people are great – even with the difficulties imposed by speaking different languages we were able to make connections over some of the issues that are universal for early childhood.

Touring the centre was fascinating – it is a large full day facility, catering for over 140 children from toddlers to four years of age. The older children go on to another early childhood service elsewhere before they start school at about seven years old (I think). This centre, in the heart of Qui Nhon city, is considered to be of high quality.

The centre was simultaneously both very different from, and very alike, early childhood in NZ. The children are divided into groups of about 20 with two teachers for each group; the atmosphere was warm, affirming and positive. During the early part of the visit the children, following their teachers who were each rhythmically shaking a tambourine, went outside for action songs and chants. Even most of the youngest toddlers joined in enthusiastically. Although though the words were different it felt similar to many music and movement sessions I have attended in NZ

The children, back in their respective rooms, then participated in small group activities. Some of the ones I saw were; family and medical play, books, threading and plasticene modeling. The classrooms were very ordered with many bright colors and cartoon illustrations on some of the walls. The small, brightly colored plastic toys were being enjoyed by the children. I was amazed that most of the children, even young toddlers, seemed happy to remain seated on a mat, playing with a designated toy, for quite extended periods of time. Much to the amusement of the teachers, one of the older children was induced to give me in a series of “injections” when I sat at the medical play.

A photographer recorded my every movement as I met the groups of children and staff. Goodness knows where those photos will end up!

Later in the day I met with Ms Thuy to discuss (through Binh) the ambitious action plan they have identified for me. I will send out a summary of it in an email. It is being negotiated!

Next week I will start visiting early childhood centres out in country areas. I am really looking forward to developing a greater understanding of ece here. I expect that my roll will become clearer during that process.