NZTC India graduate uses qualification to empower women
Since completing a New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) qualification, Amita Jadhav has set up a preschool teacher training program to empower women in India.
Her program, founded three years ago, targets aspiring preschool teachers, existing preschool teachers, mothers of young children and women entrepreneurs who would like to set up their own preschool.
“I have trained 25 preschool teachers to date and currently have four aspiring teachers who are undergoing training,” said Jadhav.
The graduate studied her NZTC India Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 5) through the unique online learning environment NZTC Online from Kolhapur, a small town in India.
Online learning opened up an opportunity to study an internationally recognised qualification that wouldn’t otherwise be possible from her remote location, but it also brought about its challenges.
Power cuts were frequent in her town and the constant problem of poor internet connectivity gave her many anxious moments when completing an important assignment or assessment online but she managed to overcome this by buying a Netsetter (GPRS mobile internet).
“I would download all the study material and then work on the assignments as and when my domestic and work schedule permitted me.”
At first she found online study challenging because it was a new experience – not only was she learning the study material but she was also navigating a new mode of learning – but she grew to love it and found it stimulating.
“Most of my friends are apprehensive of taking up studying in any format but I think the NZTC Online study mode was exciting and uplifting. I enhanced my reading and learning skills and my retention powers grew exponentially – notwithstanding the fact that I was probably the oldest student on board then!”
She enjoyed all the modules within the certificate but her favourite was ‘Play as a Framework of Learning’ as it provided a new perspective.
“The readings opposed what is happening in most early childhood centres in India where the stress is largely on academics. It was a real eye opener.”
On top of inspiring early childhood educators, she also teaches English and communication skills and is an avid poet. She has won two awards from the Library of International Poetry and has had her poetry published.