Eric's Story

Meet Eric. He is A full-time early learning assistant at the Les Chater YMCA Child Care Centre. 

Eric is from Ghana and is an internationally trained teacher. In December 2022, he made the decision to immigrate to Canada, leaving not only his home, but also his stable career of over a decade. Eric taught middle school and high school in Ghana, and loved shaping young minds of the future, however his education didn’t transfer with him when he came to Canada, leaving him without the opportunities he had back home.  

Shortly after arriving in Hamilton, Eric saw a flyer for the YMCA Early Childhood Education Bridge to Work Program — a free program offered to internationally trained teachers looking for employment in child care. 

Without hesitation Eric began this new journey.

“The Bridge to Work program is a lifeline for newcomers like me seeking to explore childcare as a career path in Canada,” he says.

Eric was quickly approved to join the program, and was excited about the work placement that would follow. On July 4th, 2023, Eric started on a full-time temporary contract as an early learning assistant in the full day program at the Les Chater YMCA Child Care Centre. “I dove headfirst into my new role, relishing the chance to blend my expertise from Ghana with the intricacies of the Canadian education system.” 

At the end of his contract, which had already been extended, Eric was offered a full-time permanent position at Les Chater. “By this time, I was already enjoying working with the kids and had developed a passion for early childhood education.”

The days are busy, but Eric is motivated by the children he works with.  

“Their laughter, curiosity, and boundless energy remind me why I wake up every morning with a smile, eager to be a part of their growth and early development,” says Eric. “They are the heroes of my educational journey, inspiring me to be the best educator I can be.”

Eric is filled with gratitude for the opportunities that have led him to this moment and finding that flyer for the Bridge to Work program, “Every day since then has been a joyous journey of learning and growth, surrounded by incredible colleagues and led by a supportive supervisor who believes in my potential.”

#Ignitie potential #ShineOn #YSavesLives
 

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