Selina Anthony

Selina Marie Anthony loves spending time with young children. So when it was time for her to decide her career aspiration, without hesitation, she opted to become an early childhood teacher so that she can inspire young minds through the joys of learning.

Anthony is currently studying Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood programme offered under the Fiji National University’s (FNU), College of Humanities and Education (CHE), Labasa Campus.

The forty-three-year-old stepped into her career late, but getting an undergraduate degree was always on her bucket list. As a Sunday school teacher at her church Anthony connected with young children, and the decision to go back to school wasn’t difficult.

“What attracted me to FNU was the ability to do my programme in Labasa. After seeing children’s learning and development in my Sunday school, I wanted to be part of their learning journey,” said Anthony.

“After completing my Higher Education in Early Childhood, I ventured into the field of early childhood to assist children to learn and grow. I particularly enjoy creating inviting play spaces around children’s interests and observing them explore and discover meaningful experiences.”

After teaching for few years, Anthony said she always had in her mind to provide a safe and secure place for young children and with the support of her family, she managed to open an early childhood centre in Labasa town.

“My Kindergarten, Bethesda Little Stars Kindergarten, is located at Labasa town and is convenient as parents can drop off their children en route to work. I have gained so much from teaching little children and being part of their learning journey. And this was only possible because of my husband’s continuous support and encouragement,” she added.

As a director of an Early Childhood Education (ECE) centre, Anthony said she felt that she needed more knowledge given the changing education landscape.

“I chose to study at FNU as I had previously completed my Higher Education studies here, and it provided an easy pathway towards my Bachelor’s programme. In addition, the programme in early childhood will provide me with the skills I need to develop to be a creative and resourceful educator.”

“I have learnt the fundamentals in early childhood development and got a realworld experience working in an early childhood centre. The programme has prepared me to develop, implement and evaluate the curriculum to teach young children from birth – 8 years in a variety of setting,” she explained.

According to Anthony, education is very important, and that emphasis has trickled down to her children.

“I have three sons, and my eldest son is also doing his Bachelor of Law at FNU Nasinu. The other two are in Years 12 and 13, respectively. I always convey to my sons that education is the most powerful tool to succeed in life.”

Anthony encourages everyone to continue their studies as one is never too old to learn and go back to school.

“The mind doesn’t age, but it grows.”

Enrolment for Semester 2, 2021 is currently underway and interested students can visit the FNU website on www.fnu.ac.fj to learn more.

Prospective students can also text on 857 or email on admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties completing the process online or need further information on enrolment.