Shared by Nicolas
Hosting intern Nicolas in 2023 aligned with our commitment to serving the community. We can safely say he was charmed by Mindstretch, given his recent letter to us!
Nicolas Shares His Impressions
My time at Mindstretch School was incredible. I appreciated every single day at the school, as a learning experience for both me and the learners.
Over the course of my weeklong internship, I got the opportunity to learn more about the vibrant Mindstretch children. I also got to peer into what’s going on inside their minds. I formed a special connection with them that I hope to sustain throughout my life.
Through this internship I also gained insight on the role of teachers like those at Mindstretch, and what a crucial role they have in educating the next generation.
The highly qualified staff were incredibly kind and taught me things that no textbook, high school teacher, or power point presentation could ever teach. The school may not be massive, but I do believe that it has had a massive impact on me.
All in all, I had a great time and will always keep Mindstretch School close to my heart.
Our Teachers Comment
Nicolas was very eager, willing, and helpful. It took a short while for him to gain confidence but he quickly did, and then he became a superstar in the classroom and on the playground.
Nicolas even managed one of our learnings stations. He also gave us some great new ideas.
We could see how his knowledge of special needs widened. He got to understand how some learners just need a little extra support to access mainstream learning. We liked how he allowed our children to be themselves and accepted the challenges that come with it. He especially related well to the bigger boys. They in turn benefited from and loved interacting with him.
The internship was a great opportunity, for Nicolas and for our children. We’re proud to be serving the community in everything we do.
“Mindstretch has had a massive impact on me.”
Serving the Community
From the time we started Mindstretch School, a decade ago, we committed to serving the community. Of course, this means caring for our learners, their families, and our staff as part of the Mindstretch family.
We’ve also always practiced community outreach. Over the years, it’s taken the form of training, lectures, and other consultation. We’ve hosted UCT students working in autism, and new teachers who have wanted to get a hands-on, real-world view of what it means to teach children with learning challenges and developmental delays.
Nicolas is our first high school-level intern. What a grand success for him and for us!
Success of the Mindstretch Approach draws educators to want to see our work in action. We’re happy to do so, it helps guide the future.
