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Finding the moments that make you smile

Born in a refugee camp, kindergarten teacher and Early Childhood Scholarship recipient Sahay Moo Soe never thought she’d be where she is today.

When she first arrived in Australia as a 17-year-old, Sahay Moo Soe couldn't speak English.

Part of the Karen community in Melbourne’s west, Sahay said when she was young, she ‘always dreamed of going to uni’.

Both Sahay’s parents were teachers in the refugee camp she grew up in, so a love of teaching and nurturing the next generation was ingrained in her.

The path to a career in education

In Year 12, Sahay completed a Vocational Education and Training course in early childhood. She always knew she wanted to be a teacher but wasn’t sure which area or age group.

While on placement at a kindergarten, she ‘met amazing mentors and just fell in love with the sector’ and knew she wanted to learn more about it.

She completed her diploma, then continued on to complete a Bachelor of Education at Victoria University. While studying, Sahay applied for an Early Childhood Scholarship(opens in a new window).

‘I needed support financially, so I looked into scholarships and I found that (the Early Childhood Scholarship) through the department website and I applied for it’ Sahay said.

‘Receiving that took a huge stress off me and it just helped a lot’.

Sahay now teaches at the Victoria University Children’s Centre in Werribee.

Being part of an amazing journey

Sahay said working in early childhood teaches you to ‘pleasure every little moment in life’.

‘If you ask anyone who works in this setting, they will tell you it’s a very rewarding job.’

‘You look back on your day and there’s always going to be a moment where your heart is full, where you’re happy, where you’re glad you are their teacher’ Sahay said.

‘Whether it is a child learning to put their shoes and socks on or write their name for the first time — it’s a lot of work being a kindergarten teacher, but there is always a day where something amazing happens’.

Share your team’s stories

If you have a story that you’d like to share about an early childhood educator or teacher at your service, please let us know. We would love to talk to them about what drives them in their work and explore the impact they have.

You can contact the department’s communications team using the email address below.

Find out more

For more information on Early Childhood Scholarships, visit Financial support to study and work in early childhood(opens in a new window).

For further enquiries, or to share stories, contact the department by email: ec.portfolio.communications@education.vic.gov.au

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