Tamsyn Eddy
Position: Currently: After School Assistant Manager. Formerly: After School Care Teacher.
Nationality: English/South African
Languages: English, Afrikaans, Dutch
Length of Time at Zein: Since September 2019
TAMSYN’S STORY
I was born in England and moved to South Africa when I was two years old. I moved to the Netherlands at the end of 2018 and began working with Zein at the end of 2019. I started my Zein journey on the International Talent Programme and now work in After School Care and as an Assistant Manager.
In South Africa I studied Performing Arts, but while studying I got the opportunity to teach part-time children at my college and I realised that teaching was my true calling. I then worked to get my teaching diplomas in Speech and Drama and Dance. When I left college I spent four years teaching Speech and Drama to children in underprivileged schools in South Africa, before moving to the Netherlands.
I knew I wanted to continue working with children but soon discovered that my diplomas were not sufficiently recognized in the Netherlands. I was nervous as to what my future here would hold until I came across an advertisement for the Zein ITP programme which stated the course was for those “who hold childhood education qualifications and/or experience but are not officially qualified to work with children in the Netherlands.” It was everything I had been hoping for. I entered the programme, received my Dutch EVC qualification and feel lucky every day that I get to come in and work with the wonderful children and colleagues of Zein.
I had been in the Netherlands for a year before joining Zein but had not felt part of a community until finding the company. Zein has a strong focus on providing a family feeling and this is clearly felt in the locations. I have gained a lot of confidence from all the support and belief in me from everyone I work with and am excited to pass this on to the children. I have learnt so much about working with children through the Zein Training Academy and value the opportunities they give me which enable me to continue to grow in my field.
Being a part of the children’s lives and ensuring that they feel happy and at home whilst in my care is a privilege that brings me much joy. Assisting children with gaining the necessary skills for life has always been a main focus of mine and I am excited to be a part of their growth.