Shaping tomorrow: PCHE x Deakin University on Early Childhood Education
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PCHE partnered with Deakin University, Australia, to bring global expertise to a local classroom. The workshop titled ‘Building the Early Childhood Education’ was led by Ms. Yasaara Kaluaratchi, in collaboration with Dr. Mandy Cooke.
The session welcomed students from PCHE and beyond, united by one shared passion: a love for the field of early childhood education and a commitment towards fostering a safer, more nurturing environment for the generations to come. The workshop highlighted Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Sri Lanka as well as Australia and explored the different dynamics, priorities, and practices that exist in both countries. With over 30 attendees, Dr. Cooke, along with Ms. Kaluaratchi, led an exceptionally informative and interactive segment that allowed students to think and act like educators in a real-world setting. “The workshop gave me new ideas and confidence to try different approaches,” shared a participant.
Known for her expertise and passion, Dr. Mandy Cooke is one of Deakin’s most educated and beloved lecturers. She began her professional career in primary school education and returned to college only to discover a passion for teaching ECE. Dr. Cooke currently holds the role of course director and senior lecturer at Deakin. She is a strong advocate for both physical and mental well-being and a passionate surfer. Dr. Cooke stresses the importance of educators prioritising their bodily health, explaining, “We need to take care of ourselves by playing, then we have more to give back to the children.”
Ms. Yasaara Kaluaratchi discovered her calling for education within the familiarity of her mother’s preschool and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Education from the University of Derby, UK. As the Director of Academics at PCHE, Ms. Kaluaratchi balances her love for surfing, travel and most importantly, spending quality time with her son.
PCHE’s longstanding partnership with Deakin University has been a valued collaboration that has thrived since 2019. Now in its sixth year, PCHE stands proudly as the first-ever university in South Asia to offer a partnership with Deakin University in the field of ECE. This alliance has helped PCHE seamlessly transfer students from local beginnings to international reach.
The transfer programme offered at PCHE acts as a bridge, allowing students to begin their college journey in the comfort and familiarity of Sri Lanka and transfer to Australia to complete their degree. By doing so, PCHE gives students the opportunity to experience the role of ECE both in local and international contexts, all while offering globally recognised qualifications. On top of that, students who wish to learn and grow close to home, but with an international qualification, have the opportunity to complete their advanced diploma on Sri Lankan grounds.
With initiatives like this, PCHE turns ambition into achievement for young educators, providing them with quality education, guidance, and a nurturing environment to grow and learn, preparing them to make a real impact in the field of ECE. One student reflected, “I’ve come to see ECE as planting seeds that grow long after we’re gone.”
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