China trip reinforces global early childhood connections

NZTC lecturer Ra Keelan recently spent three weeks at the Fujian Preschool Education College in Fuzhou, China, teaching, mentoring and supporting students enrolled in the Sino-New Zealand Cooperation program. He thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share Aotearoa with the Fujian Preschool Education College and support lessons focused on curriculum studies (language and literacy, visual and performing arts), child guidance, bicultural practices and study skills.

“I was humbled by the exposure to the ancient and beautiful Chinese culture and I struggled to say no to the amazing diversity of food options presented to me by my fantastic hosts,” said Ra.

After an amazing experience abroad Ra was returning home when he noticed a little boy and his grandmother boarding the same flight to Hong Kong. The trio ended up sitting together on the next flight to Auckland with Ra engaging with the small boy for most of the flight before parting ways with a farewell at the airport expecting to never see one another again.

Just two weeks later Ra was visiting an early childhood centre in central Auckland when a small boy grabbed Ra by the finger and tugged at him to go and play. The teachers were stunned as they explained that the little boy was still developing his English and didn’t take well to strangers.

It was at this point that Ra paid particular attention and asked if the boy had just returned from China. The teachers said yes and Ra shared the amazing coincidence that this little boy had been his travel buddy on the flight home from China, now reunited in a New Zealand early childhood centre. His teachers were astonished at his amazing memory recall and how he had recognised Ra straight away and made the connection.

“Who would have thought that the same little face I saw in China would recognise me here on the other side of the world. I never expected to see this little guy again, but it goes to show that our children really are global citizens and our early childhood connections and relationships are equally global,” Ra shared.