No challenge too big for hardworking Tokasa Thompson

After working on Lord Howe Island for decades, Tokasa Thompson returned to study to provide a critical resource for the island community, and is a 2024 Shine Awards nominee.

Nominations for the 2024 Shine Awards are now open, celebrating the achievements of rural and regional women across Australia. Click here to nominate an outstanding woman you know.

Neither the tyranny of distance nor the challenges that come with being a mature-aged student could deter Tokasa Thompson from working to provide a critical resource for her Lord Howe Island community.

When the 67-year-old mother and grandmother saw a need for an early childhood educator in her community on the remote island paradise, she made a commitment to remote learning and stepped up to the plate.

“We didn’t have a trained preschool teacher, and they needed a second educator,” Ms Thompson said.

“I was asked if I was interested … but I had to think about it as I was retired and didn’t want to study anything too intense.”

Despite the remote nature of island living, Ms Thompson enrolled in an early childhood education degree via the Macquarie Community College.

She is now qualified in early childhood education, after previous work experience as a house maid and then a field officer for the island’s environment team.

Ms Thompson is one of the 350 residents of the island, and has lived there peacefully for 37 years.

Mature-aged student Tokasa Thompson, who is one of 350 residents of Lord Howe Island. Picture: Supplied.

From flying to Sydney for practical elements of her course, to travelling to the mainland for medical appointments, she said island life does come at a cost.

“We pay that price to live on the beautiful island,” Ms Thompson said.

“On the mainland, mature-age students can easily access TAFE, and I love learning new things, but it’s much harder to access education on the remote island,” Ms Thompson said.

Tokasa Thompson, pictured with her granddaughter on Lord Howe Island. Picture: Supplied.

But the positives far outweigh any negatives of remote living, such as a more laid back attitude and general sense of friendly community.

“People ride bikes and walk, there are no streetlights, people are friendly and wave to each other. There are beautiful beaches and we often go snorkelling, fishing, bush walking and hiking.”

She said while she initially felt nervous to begin study online, especially as a mature aged student, Ms Thompson benefited from one-on-one support from her teacher to assist in navigating technology.

“Being a grandma, you think you know all. I thought it would be easy being a preschool teacher, but I am learning more skills, policies, and procedures, particularly around child safety,” Ms Thompson said.

“I have learned to ask children open-ended questions and extend the conversation with them, I have learned to use works to encourage them, opening the child’s mind to extend their thoughts and teaching them to think for themselves.”

Tokasa Thompson, pictured at a community preschool centre on Lord Howe Island. Picture: Supplied.

The commitment to online study has paid off, Ms Thompson said, with the community rallying around her in celebration of her achievement.

“The community was so happy when they found out I had started the course and returned to the island to begin working at the preschool. The parents were so happy on the first day,” Ms Thompson said.