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Daniel from South Africa
2009 IAPA Au Pair of the Year Finalist

Daniel, an Au Pair from South Africa was recognized as one of the 6 international finalists for the Au Pair of the Year Award in 2009. Daniel was nominated by his Host Family who said that he "exemplifies the qualities of an excellent Au Pair!" Daniel arrived in the U.S. in March of 2008, and began providing care for two boys, aged 12 and 2. In December 2008, the youngest child was diagnosed with a developmental delay in speech, and Daniel began working with him each day to help develop and improve his language skills. In addition to his duties as an Au Pair, Daniel volunteers at a local community group for at risk youth. "There will never be enough words to describe my time and experience here in the United States! I have to constantly remind myself that this is not a dream, but that I’m actually part of an American family and living in America."

Host Family Nomination Written by Daniel’s Host Family

"Daniel became our Au Pair in Mar 2008. He was our fourth Au Pair since Jan 07 due to situations beyond our control. Our son, Dylan, was 15 months old when Daniel arrived. We consider Dylan our miracle baby and went through a lot to have him so his care is extremely important to us. My husband and I knew that the transition for Dylan would be hard but Daniel was awesome! We immediately saw the love and concern he had for Dylan. Daniel engaged with Dylan right from the beginning and Dylan was comfortable with Daniel. When I left Dylan to go back to work, he didn’t cry and I knew that we finally found an Au Pair that was here for the right reasons. Daniel is always willing to help even when he is not watching Dylan. There are times that we have to remind him that he is not working but he insists that he wants to be a member of the family and help out.

The reason we have an Au Pair is to reduce the stress in our lives and Daniel definitely does that. Daniel has an unselfish attitude in all that he does. He is perfect for us because I know that my son is being taken care of in the same manner we would take care of him. He knows that it’s important to me to be the mom and he ensures he doesn’t interfere with that.

Daniel learned the ropes pretty quickly with Dylan. He got Dylan on a routine and was able to put some stability in his life. We are so grateful to have Daniel as Dylan’s “manny” (male nanny). We call Daniel the “manny” cause most people don’t know what Au Pair means. I was hesitant at first to have a male Au Pair but Daniel is truly a blessing to us. He is the best Au Pair we have had and deserves to be the Au Pair of the year. He always puts Dylan first. Daniel has taught Dylan so much. Dylan loves to play catch, throw the ball in the hoop, read books, sing, dance, and wrestle.

In Nov 08, Dylan was diagnosed with a developmental delay in speech. Daniel works with Dylan during the day to help him improve his speech. He truly cares about Dylan and wants the best for him. It pleases me to know that Daniel will help Dylan overcome his developmental delay. We have more work to do with Dylan but he has improved a lot since being diagnosed and that’s partly due to Daniel’s dedication.

Daniel made a point of becoming friends with my eleven year old son, Nick. Daniel loves to coach sports and Nick loves to play sports. During the summer, there is a soccer game in the front yard every day. All the neighborhood kids love Daniel too. I love that Daniel is a good role model for kids. He teaches them to respect each other and encourages the kids to do their best. Nick likes having Daniel as a big brother.

Daniel has truly embraced the cultural exchange aspect of the Au Pair program. Daniel volunteers at Jesus Field which is a program for at risk youth. He spends time talking to teenagers and listening and just being there for them. Daniel is also very involved in his church, Elevation. Elevation is a non-denominational Christian church. Daniel works in the nursery because everyone can see that he loves children and they love him. I always refer to him as a kid magnet. Daniel has made several friends and is always busy. However, he remembers why he is here and always makes sure he spends quality family time with us. It is the perfect situation and we thank God for him every day. Daniel has decided to extend with us for another year and we couldn’t be happier.

Daniel exemplifies the qualities of an excellent Au Pair and would represent all Au Pairs as the Au Pair of the Year! He truly deserves this recognition."

Nominated by: Scott Family, UT

Read the 2009 Au Pair of the Year Finalist Essay written by Daniel

View More Pictures from Daniel’s surprise party

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