Belong Early Learning Centre’s Debora Busa brings art and creativity to Central Coast

Freya Lucas

Jun 28, 2024

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TAFE NSW Ourimbah graduate, Debora Busa, is a trainee and atelierista (art teacher) at Belong Early Learning Centre, where she helps children express themselves through the universal language of art.

Ms Busa, who moved to the Central Coast of New South Wales from Italy 12 years ago, wanted to embrace her love of both children and art in her new Australian chapter, and to find a job which had more family friendly hours than hospitality.

She studied early childhood education and care at TAFE NSW Ourimbah, where she honed her skills in supporting children’s learning and development, and combined them with her passion for the arts.

“The course helped me to better understand the importance of an educator's role in those first precious years of a child's development,” she said.

Bringing Reggio to life

Ms Busa’s relationship with Belong Early Learning Centre began when Director Nikki Shaw was recruiting for an atelierista after she identified the value this role could add for the service’s families during a visit to Italy.

“After experiencing the centres of Reggio Emilia and their use of atelieristas firsthand, we knew that we wanted an experienced artist who also shared the same values and image of children as we do,” Ms Shaw explained.

“With the skills and knowledge she gained from her TAFE NSW course, Debora was the right person to bring these skills to our Centre. (She) views children as unique, capable, and whole beings from birth and has supported each child or group of children in different ways depending on their needs and interests.”

Educators, too, have benefited from having Ms Busa on the team, growing as professionals through collaborative planning and discussion.

To learn more about studying with TAFE NSW please see here.

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