APTC graduate Meriam Lin, who hails from the northern Vanuatu island of Pentecost, said that that acquiring her Certificate III in Children Services has raised both her work and the school performance output to a higher level.

Since Ms Lin's graduation in 2009, she has seen increased enrolments at her school, more effective lesson preparation, improved hygiene practices, and the addressing of support staff training needs.

"In the past, we normally enrolled between 20-30 students each year. This year, the number of our enrollments has increase to 50 plus students," said Ms Lin. She attributes this increase to parents becoming aware of the progress in learning that the pre-school students are achieving.

Amongst the changes Ms Lin has introduced is the new library corner. "It's very exciting watching kids begin developing their reading skills," enthused Ms Lin.

Not only has Ms Lin brought her new understanding of early childhood development to the classroom, but she also uses an evaluation process with the support staff at the end of each session. She is basing professional development for staff on the knowledge she gained while training with APTC.

Ms Lin has also shared her new knowledge and skills with the wider preschool community, working with the Provincial Pre-school Coordinator in the delivery of training within the province. As a result of this, Ms Lin has been elected as President of the Provincial Pre-school Association.

"My future aim is to improve the kindergarten standard in my province. And I am proud that I was given the second scholarship to complete the Diploma program in Children Services. Once again thanks to APTC and the Australian Government, for giving us the opportunity to develop our skills and knowledge," concluded Ms Lin.