Shared by his mother, Shireen
At Mindstretch School we use a multidimensional approach to address diverse learning challenges. Our focus on individual attention ensures every child gets exactly what they need. Read here how we helped Hamza and his family unlock his potential.
Letting Go Can be Scary
Finding the ‘right’ school is a challenge all parents face when they enroll their child in their first school. Letting go and trusting others to take care of your child’s a tall order. For the parent of a non-verbal child it’s ten times worse.
This was the case for me when I had to find a school for Hamza, the youngest of three, with two older brothers aged 19 and 21.
Jennifer reassured me that Mindstretch School was a good fit for Hamza. She agreed to make special allowances to ensure his comfort during his first week at school. This helped reassure me that I was making the right choice.
Identifying Hamza's Needs
Hamza was five years old when he started at Mindstretch. He needed help with his social skills and ability to interact with children his own age. He also needed to learn to share, to work with others, and even to tolerate someone sitting next to him. His self-care skills also required attention, including potty training and brushing his teeth independently.
There was a lot to do to help him reach his true potential.
Hamza Receives Individual Attention
With fantastic teachers and teacher aides – including Kellie Jane, Pam, Talent, Noda and Bongi – Hamza adapted well. He loved school and participating in the learning.
As he got used to the routine and the environment, he started interacting more and more. With a lot of patient help he became fully potty trained. He also began to tolerate someone sitting next to him. Indeed, his confidence grew so much he was the lead in his class segment of the end-of-year school concert!
Our family found it very special and heartwarming to see Hamza’s growth.

“He loved school and participating in the learning“
Individual Attention Makes the Difference
I loved receiving the almost daily photos and feedback on Hamza’s activity at school. These consistent updates really were one of the best things. I appreciate that his teachers were always available for concerns or questions.
His teachers knew him so well, they called him “The Numbers Guy” because of his numeracy skills..
Hamza learned to love Mindstretch and was always smiling and happy. So much so that the holidays seemed too long to him.

Thank you, Mindstretch!
I’m truly grateful to Jennifer and all the teachers at Mindstretch for creating such a beautiful educational experience for Hamza.
Our family wishes Jennifer and her team continued success as they assist many more families by giving a safe and loving environment for the children who need them.
"You should feel so proud of all the teachers and the children. Well done, Jennifer! The last two years have been amazing. Hamza has exceeded all our expectations and not once did he say he doesn't want to go to school. He was always eager and ready to learn."

Concerned about a speech delay? This article may help: Speech and Language Delay in Early Childhood Development.
Individual Attention Every Day, it's Our Way
Our commitment is to develop a personalized programme that uniquely supports your child’s growth. We don’t just categorize – we empower! Through individualized attention, we unlock each child’s extraordinary potential.
Join us! Find us in Pinelands, Cape Town: CONTACT US 💚