Sam inspired by his cousins and kids

Sam Kora, centre, and classmates are thrilled to be graduating from Te Rito Maioha with a Bachelor of Teaching. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Sam Kora is following in the footsteps of his four cousins by pursuing a career in early childhood teaching - the only difference is he's a bloke.

The Whakatane man was one of almost 30 students who graduated in Rotorua yesterday with a Bachelor of Teaching for early childhood through Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand. He was one of only two male graduates.

Mr Kora, who teaches at Little Orchard Preschool in Whakatane, said he had been inspired to take up early childhood education by his cousins and his three children.

PASSED: Geraldine Koopu speaks at the Te Rito Maioha Childcare graduation ceremony. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

He said it was an "indescribable" feeling graduating with his degree.

Mr Kora said early childhood education was an "awesome" career choice and he'd seen a couple of his male friends interested in following his lead.

Fellow graduate Diamond Hofman, a teacher at Kids.Com Educare in Rotorua, said teaching had always been a part of her life.

When she was at school in the USA, during summer vacation she'd take her school books home and run her own "classes".

"I was raised in the [public housing] projects."

Both agreed the rewards of going home and knowing they had made a difference was what kept them enthusiastic. Mrs Hofman said she loved being able to work with children from such an early age and said early childhood education was more than just changing nappies.

"It's looking after the health and well-being and seeing them grow."

She enjoyed watching the kids grow and develop, and working in partnership with parents, who were considered a child's first teacher.

Lecturer Nancy New said it was a big graduating class with a wide range of ages and experiences.

She said the graduating students would be well educated teachers who were experienced in bicultural teaching.