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Htoolar Wah Shwe decided to study Early Childhood Education so she could help give children a better start than she had.
Htoolar is of Karen ethnicity and was born in Burma. She says she faced racial and religious discrimination there.
“I couldn't go out and enjoy life with my friends and the community as a child should,” she says.
Htoolar and her family moved to New Zealand from a refugee camp in 2006.
“New Zealand has served as my primary residence and second home. It is a privilege and a blessing to get the chance to experience Aotearoa’s stunning landscapes, inhabitants, and sites.”
Htoolar is a mother of three - one in heaven and two here on earth. She says it’s wonderful to raise children and watch them mature. She especially loves seeing how they develop when they’re free to enjoy themselves and they have opportunities.
Spending time with children has allowed her to get out in the world and alter the view of it she had developed as a result of her own childhood trauma. She’s determined to care for children and show them love and support.
“I want to support them as they develop into happy, loving adults. I want to be able to assist children with their daily requirements.”
She also wants to be able to help the children back in her home country, this is part of what inspired her to study Early Childhood Education.
“Due to the wars that have ravaged the nation for decades, an increasing number of children are not receiving an education.”
Htoolar enrolled to study Early Childhood Education at Future Skills Academy in 2021 on the recommendation of a friend who had studied here.
“The best thing about Future Skills is that you provide parents and those who are going through a difficult scenario a chance,” she says.
“Many people are battling their own issues, which prevents them from doing what they enjoy. Particularly new mothers or students who drop out of school. Your generosity and compassion for others have started a new chapter in life.”
She’s particularly grateful to her tutor Lesley who has faith in her and supports her in her academic endeavours.
During her time studying with us, Htoolar gained the ability to collaborate with others and established trusting bonds with those who are eager to help each other.
Htoolar completed a Level 2 Early Childhood Education programme with Future Skills and has since gone on to continue her study at other providers.
In 2022 she completed Level 4 and she will finish the Level 5 diploma in May this year.
“My objective is to be able to earn an ECE degree from a university,” she says.
After that, Htoolar hopes to work as a teacher.
