My name is Chanté, and I am currently 24 years old, turning 25 on the 15TH of March. I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa where I live with my family. I live with my mother and three brothers at my grandmother’s house as my parents have been divorced since 2015. However, this does not mean that my relationship with my father is in anyway bad, as he still supports me in everything I do, as does the rest of my family. My mother Charmaine (49) is a sales representative, and my father Allison (48) works as a dispatch supervisor. I am the eldest of four children, with three younger brothers Joshua (23), Tyler (16) and Aidan (12). The eldest of the three is currently working as a trainee carpenter and the younger two are still students in high school and primary school respectively. I completed my school at Cedar Secondary School and graduated in 2018. Thereafter, I decided to pursuit my studies in early childhood development in 2018 for approximately 18 months and obtained my certificate in 2019. In 2021 I volunteered at a daycare centre for 4 months before becoming a permanent educator there. I have been working for 4 years at the daycare centre and have worked with multiple age groups. All of this has taught me many things and allowed me to learn many things about myself. I always loved working with children, and this reestablished my passion for this type of work. Outside of work and around strangers I am often introverted until I am comfortable, but I am always up to challenge myself and grow. I enjoy reading, cooking and baking, though I would like to learn a few more recipes to bake someday. My childcare experience did not start at the daycare centre where I am currently employed and responsible for many different things. These duties include creating lesson plans and giving lessons, assisting and aiding children with their basic skills such as using the washroom, etc., often potty training the younger children and supervising during play time or free play. I believe most of my confidence with this work comes from my experience with babysitting and assisting with my younger siblings and cousins. I come from a big family so there was always a need for extra hands, and I was always eager to help when I could, this way I would learn too. I would help with changing diapers, preparing bottles, helping with homework, preparing meals and getting them ready for school or bed. My tertiary education in early childhood development helped me in improving on what I learnt helping with my family and these both assisted in improving my ability to do my work at the daycare centre well. This full-time course I attended prepared me to work with children from newborn to five years in their development, safety and early childhood education. It covered early literacy skills, fostering social and emotional wellbeing and creating stimulating and comfortable environments for children to grow and develop in the best way possible. These are all important skills I have learnt from my studies and my personal experience which I believe would help and has helped me when working and taking care of children. I want to become an Au pair because I am passionate about working with children and aiding in their growth and development. I would also like to experience living in a different country and experiencing a different culture as well as show and teach others about my own. I hope to achieve personal growth and use all that I have experienced and learnt in the next chapter of my life following my year abroad. I would be a great choice as an au pair because I am reliable, dedicated and enthusiastic. When required of me, I am able to assist the children with their schoolwork, while also engage and entertain them with fun and educational projects. I strive to learn from the hosts and the environment. I would be in and hope to make a meaningful contribution on the family and children’s life. After my Au pair year, I plan to return to South Africa and pursue further studies in teaching or apply to teach abroad. I hope the experiences I gain will help me enhance my skills and knowledge, enabling me to become a better childcare provider and educator. I hope to become more independent and grow as a person with a broader outlook on life. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to become a part of your family and create wonderful lasting memories together. Best regards, Chanté