Abstract:
This research report presents the perspectives and experiences of four Samoan male students in the Pacific Islands Early Childhood Education programme. This study explores and highlights the reasons for their involvement in a profession which is predominantly female. Particular focus on this study was on the significance of their roles within their families, church, communities and most importantly, the development of education of young children. Although these men have all had some teaching experience in Samoa before coming to New Zealand, further studies through the Pacific Islands Early Childhood Teacher Education Programme provided them with new knowledge, skills and an understanding of the Early Childhood Curriculum document. Te Whariki (1996) to enable them to teach in Early Childhood centres. The men in this study were the first male students enrolled in this programme. After three years, they graduated with a Diploma of Teaching and are now all working as qualified teachers in Early Childhood centres in New Zealand.
