WHAT started as a holiday to teach English to students in Vietnam led former IT professional Sam Murray to teach at the North Fremantle School of Early Learning.
Last month he was awarded Educational Experience ‘Rising Star’ at the Australian Early Education and Care Awards.
Mr Murray said that in Vietnam, his wife was offered a job at a bilingual kindergarten.
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READ NOW“When I went to the interview to drop her off, the manager of the kindergarten offered her a job and told me that they also wanted to give me some work,” he said.
“I had a three-year-old pre-kindy class who barely spoke English and I found that I had a knack for teaching the younger years.
“When I returned to Australia back to my IT job, I thought I really wanted to pursue this career so I started my bachelor of education.”
In addition to his teaching, Mr Murray, along with North Fremantle School of Early Learning, partners with Bicycles for Humanity to collect unwanted bicycles and give them to people in need.
The Spearwood resident said the children were aware of the need for bicycles around the world.
“Our room is currently working on writing them a letter to accompany our bicycle and spare part donations,” he said.
“My kindy children have a real sense that with enough spare parts they can help people.”