Hien's work is child's play
3 May 2002
Hien Bui.
The only people with bigger smiles than Hien Bui are the children she cares for. According to Hien's childcare teachers at Kangan Batman TAFE, her beaming smile and happy nature make hers the perfect disposition for childcare.
Since completing the Diploma of Children's Services (Centre Based Care), Hien, of West Brunswick, has achieved her goal of finding a position as a qualified Level 3 childcare worker. She is currently working at Montgomery Park Children's Centre in Essendon, where she completed the final practical placement (work experience) component of her course.
She has also received a swag of student awards from Kangan Batman TAFE in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements and her dedication to providing quality childcare.
Back in her homeland of Vietnam, Hien had been a physiotherapist, however, was unable to have her training and qualifications recognised in Australia. This forced her to find a new career and, based on her love of children, she settled on childcare. She found work as a childcare assistant but soon decided to undertake formal training to boost her skills and employability.
Hien first completed the Certificate III in Children's Services at Kangan Batman TAFE's Broadmeadows campus before moving on to the diploma. Throughout her studies, her teachers were impressed by her thirst for learning, which was rewarded with outstanding results including numerous High Distinctions.
Hien tackled every assignment enthusiastically, often going beyond what was required. For example, although English is her second language, she was undaunted by having to speak in front of the class, and always delivered high standard, thoroughly researched presentations.
Hien put the same tremendous effort into her practical placements with various childcare centres during her studies. She devised numerous interesting activities and innovative learning materials for the children in her care, such as celebrations of Harmony Day and Chinese New Year to promote multiculturalism.
Her commitment and creativity prompted glowing reports from her host employers, many of whom offered her a job even before she had finished her course
It is for these reasons that Hien has been named best student in her course, her teaching department, and across Kangan Batman TAFE's entire Social and Applied Sciences school.
Hien loves her job and prides herself on doing it well, as is evident in the positive feedback she receives from the parents of her charges. However, she is not content to stop learning, and plans to continue developing her skills and knowledge through further study.
"Childcare used to be thought of as just 'minding children'. But today there is greater knowledge of the importance of early childhood development, so the work of childcare professionals is more valued", Hien says.
"Knowledge in the field is always growing, and it's important to keep up-to-date. My father always encouraged me to study, so who knows, maybe I will even do a masters degree one day!" she smiles.
Kangan Batman TAFE has 24,000 students across its six campuses in Broadmeadows, Moreland, Richmond, Coburg, Avondale Heights and Essendon.
Each year in May, Kangan Batman TAFE conducts two graduation ceremonies at the Moonee Valley Racecourse to accommodate all of its graduates and award-winning students.
The first ceremony, at which Hien received her awards, was held on Friday 3 May. The Hume City Council was major sponsor of the ceremony, while Broadmeadows Town Centre was supporting sponsor.
Hien won the following awards:
- Gold Medallion Award for Best Social and Applied Sciences Student
- Silver Medallion Award for Best Community Services & Health Student
- Outstanding Achievement Award for Diploma of Children's Services - Centre Based Care
