Bhawna Gakhar
Name: Bhawna Gakhar
Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Bhawna Gakhar’s journey in early childhood education started many years ago in her family home in India.
“From a young age, I’ve been involved in my younger siblings’ learning and development. I gained a sense of pride and achievement as I helped them grow into strong readers, and independent thinkers,” she says.
“Having the patience to explain new words, sentences and concepts with clarity to a younger audience has pushed me to discover how children develop their minds.”
Inspired by her success with her siblings, Bhawna worked as a teaching assistant at a school for a few years before moving to New Zealand to study a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education), choosing New Zealand Tertiary College because of the college’s history and the flexibility of online learning.
“NZTC is the oldest established college with over 40 years of experience, and while other colleges have a lot of different streams, NZTC is focused on only delivering two subjects. Moreover, the postgraduate programs give me further study opportunities after the Graduate Diploma.”
We asked Bhawna a few questions about her learning experience, inspirations, and future plans:
How do you like to learn?
I learn through reading books and exchanging ideas with others. Communication is key for me! I also love to learn through exploring and engaging with new ideas. Learning by doing has always intrigued me.
Do you have an interest in a particular area of early childhood education?
I have a deep interest in arts and crafts because I believe every child loves colour, colour always attracts children. It also helps to build their fine motor skills. I also do my best in my centre to extend their learning through the te reo Māori colour song.
Who has inspired you the most in your journey?
One of my mentors who has been with me throughout my study journey. He always gave me valuable and insightful advice at every step, and I always look to him as my role model. In today’s world being an international student is really challenging as you have to start a new life in a completely different country for the sake of your career, and I am blessed to be part of my ECE centre here in New Zealand, Blossoms Educare. The whole team is so helpful!
What’s next for you?
I have some plans in mind – either opting for postgraduate study in ECE or getting gainful employment in an ECE centre, where I’d get the chance to develop my teaching skills. If I return back to India, I would like to take in as much valuable knowledge as I can and incorporate it into my practice in an Indian ECE setting.