Testimonials
Learn from present and past clients about their experience with the BrainAbility centres, our team, and the BrainRx program.
Text describing the Top 10 improvements experienced by a BrainAbility client after completing the BrainRx cognitive development program.
Text describing the Top 10 improvements experienced by a BrainAbility client after completing the BrainRx cognitive development program.
Text describing the Top 10 improvements experienced by a BrainAbility client after completing the BrainRx cognitive development program.
Text describing the Top 10 improvements experienced by a BrainAbility client after completing the BrainRx cognitive development program.
"I would like to thank the staff at BrainAbility for making us feel like family.
I have seen Jordan's confidence levels rise in the month since she's started her program.
Many thanks."
- Tracey, Parent
"I have no doubt that the program has made a huge impact on his self esteem and intrinsic motivation.
Seeing him committed to do the exercises on his own without being supervised is also very exciting to me.
Keep up the good work."
- Dr. Nyameka, Educational Psychologist & Parent
"My son’s reading speed has tremendously improved. His understanding of issues improved.
He enjoys the lessons.
My son’s memory has improved. He can remember what he saw or read without a struggle."
- Christine Kamwendo, Parent
My Brain Training Story
Image of text from a written testimonial received from a BrainAbility client after completing their BrainRx cognitive development program in South Africa.
Image of text from a written testimonial received from a BrainAbility client after completing their BrainRx cognitive development program in South Africa.
Image of text from a written testimonial received from a BrainAbility client after completing their BrainRx cognitive development program in South Africa.
Image of text from a written testimonial received from a BrainAbility client after completing their BrainRx cognitive development program in South Africa.
"As a Software Developer and businessman, remembering critical information and keeping up with cutting-edge technology, requires all your brain power.
This program has helped me in so many ways.
I just wish I could have done this training earlier in life."
- Bertus Engelbrecht, Businessman
"The Cognitive Trainer facilitating our daughter's online sessions is fantastic, and the online enablement easy and fun to use.
So much so, that our daughter Dioné, can't wait for her remote training sessions!"
- Riaan & Christie Odendaal, Parents
"Jarryd's term 3 average increased by 9%, which was a huge surprise to us. He was more confident, and said he felt positive and not scared to participate in class.
His attitude also changed - he wanted to do well, whereas in the past he just existed and had no ambition to do well in school.
I do believe this is a true investment. I would encourage anyone to take up this opportunity."
- Trish, Parent
"Vandat ons dogter haar BrainRx en ReadRx programme begin doen het, het haar konsentrasie en selfvertroue baie verbeter.
Sy lees vinniger en verstaan wat sy gelees het, spelling is beter, en haar skoolwerk het baie verbeter.
Baie dankie BrainAbility!"
- Andrea, Ouer
"Since my daughter started BrainRx training, I'm living with a different child! She is so happy and free.
She now relates better to others, is confident, thinks out of the box, and I'm impressed by her reasoning.
BrainRx has given my daughter a chance to find herself and her self-belief, which is the best gift ever."
- Tshidi Seroko, Parent
"No more complaints from teachers, or negative entries on his reports. Dian now works independently, and his homework is done and remains up to date - with the work done properly.
But most important - the improvement in Dian's listening, focus and concentration were not limited to his schoolwork.
Even his life skills and social skills improved!"
- Pieter & Elizca Roux, Parents
"Dit is nou al amper twee jaar terug dat ons en ons tweeling seuns kennis gemaak het met Dalena van BrainRx, en dit is met groot dankbaarheid dat ek kan terugkyk en net dankie sê.
Die eksamen is reeds weer op ons en dis so lekker om te sien dat daar geen vrees meer is vir eksamen nie, want my kind sê "Mamma, die werk is maklik want ek het opgelet in die klas en ek onthou alles, tannie Dalena het my geleer hoe." - en dit is wat my hart so bly maak.
Ek kan met groot dankbaarheid in my hart BrainRx aanbeveel vir énige een..dink soms ek het dit ook nodig om als in my kop te kan orden!"
- Lucille van der Merwe, Ouer
"BrainRx is a program that sets the standard for improving concentration and memory!
BrainRx was the answer to our prayers in more than one way. It assisted our son in so many ways in his academic school career.
Without a doubt, we can recommend this program for any child with learning difficulties."
- Melinda & Deon, Parents
"Alan is a 69 year old retired Electrical Engineer and Metallurgist. He had two major brain surgeries.
Alan is showing immense progression and as we slowly but surely are nearing the end of his BrainRx sessions, we both are more positive about Alan's life journey ahead.
Even our kids immediately saw major differences in their Dad's progression and performance.
BrainRx GAVE US HOPE FOR THE FUTURE!!!"
- Sonia, Spouse
"The BrainRx training has been a game-changer for me as an individual as it has unlocked the potential in my thinking and memory which I clearly had not been using enough of.
The level of care, empathy and dedication of all the trainers at BrainRx has been phenomenal and was definitely a contributing factor to the learning experience being so impactful.
I can recnmmend this training to anyone who wants to expand their potential, young or old, there is something for anyone to learn and to grow their mental capabilities."
- Kamal Patel, Businessman
"Before we started our son on BrainRx, we went from extra lessons to private tutors, to support and developmental programs, to no avail.
Today, we have a son who passed all his subjects with distinction and his teachers are so pleased with his achievements. Our son now loves going to school and reads books!
His self-esteem has improved drastically and he can now function as a normal child.
BrainRx not only helped our son to improve his grades, they also gave him a bright future to look forward to, and they gave him a chance at a normal life without any harmful medications."
- Johan & Tanya Krause, Parents
"School marks above 90% for a child that was struggling less than a year ago.
Gold medals in sport and Merits for music exams as well as an Eisteddfod winner - shows tremendous growth in a child - of which I am so proud but mostly thankful to BrainRx."
- Anso Wise, Parent
"Daniel's first report in Grade 1, he was below average and got poor symbols.
His 2nd report he received 3 months after he had started BrainRx, and his symbols shot up by 2 to 3 symbols above average!
His world became clearer, he was positive about school and his anxiety levels slowly decreased.
It changed our lives!"
- Sandra da Costa, Parent
"My brain training has been an utterly wonderful experience!
I am so much more efficient and I believe that I can achieve many things in life."
- Luthando, University Student
"I had a change in attitude towards life and school work...
and now even finish assignments at least two days before they are due!"
- Megan, Gr. 12 Learner
"The BrainAbility Team proactively worked to get their fantastic cognitive training program online when the Corona Virus hit our shores, and in doing so, ensured our daughter could continue with the program she started.
The Cognitive Trainer facilitating our daughter's online sessions is fantastic, and the online enablement easy and fun to use.
So much so, that our daughter Dioné, can't wait for her remote training sessions!"
- Riaan & Christie Odendaal, Parents
"I would like to commend you for your warmth and empathy. These kept Luvo going, and looking forward to the BrainRx sessions like before (face to face). I must say, the online sessions did not make any dent in his enthusiasm.
I have no doubt that the program has made a huge impact on his self-esteem and intrinsic motivation.
Seeing him committed to do the exercises on his own without being supervised is also very exciting to me.
Keep up the good work."
- Dr. Nyameka Mankayi, Parent
"Lehan started his BrainRx sessions at BrainAbility in his first term of 2020. He enjoys it so much that, if he could do BrainAbility instead of school work, he would.
It has enhanced his memory as well as the areas of delays - start to focus, start a project and get it done instead of putting it off.
In the current climate of Covid-19 lockdown, the one-on one video calls and online activities have assisted us to keep up with the routine and brain stimulation.
It definitely makes a difference when we do our home schooling that follows."
- Anria, Parent
"Desperation sent me running all over to find help for my son, who was performing below average in class.
Fortunately, I found BrainAbility and the BrainRx program, which raised my hopes. My son was able to undertake the assessment and start his face to face sessions.
But alas! The ravage of Coronavirus resulted in a lockdown that made it impossible to continue with the face to face classes in the centres. Luckily enough, BrainAbility is able to offer the international BrainRx program online, face to face via Zoom.
My observations and conversation with my son lead me to say the following:
1. It is advantageous to have online training, which has ensured the continuity of the program without compromising quality.
2. Going online has enabled access to eligible candidates who may not have done so before because of busy schedules, or for those living in areas that do not have such programs available yet.
3. My son’s reading speed has tremendously improved. We always read books in the evening, and that is evident.
4. He enjoys the lessons.
5. You do not have to force or remind him to take the classes. He tells you that it’s time and goes ahead and prepares himself.
6. His understanding of issues improved. He is currently undertaking school classes online too, and tells me he is one of the kids who answer questions quickly and without much struggle.
7. My son’s memory has improved. He can remember what he saw or read without a struggle.
8. The online classes provide flexibility in scheduling to incorporate other tasks, including attending to formal school courses online.
I would advocate for the continuation of these online classes even when the situation normalizes."
- Christine Kamwendo, Parent
School Head of Department talks about her own son's brain training journey:
"I, Sandra, have been teaching Grade 1's for 10 years; I tried all the skills and tricks but still struggled to understand why my son Daniel was not coping in Grade 1.
He was in a private school with small classes but this didn't seem to help. I prayed about it as I had exhausted all other options.
Faith and word of mouth lead me to a BrainRx centre in Lynnwood. Once my husband and myself met Dalena, we knew this was the next best thing.
Daniel was assessed and started intense therapy 3 to 4 times a week. He had a backlog with Processing Speed. Within the first 6 weeks I noticed small changes, eg: he would get dressed quickly and on his own every morning, self-confidence started to improve, homework times became shorter and he began to radiate from within.
His first report in Grade 1, he was below average and got poor symbols.
His 2nd report he received 3 months after he had started BrainRx, and his symbols shot up by 2 to 3 symbols above average!
His world became clearer, he was positive about school and his anxiety levels slowly decreased.
I am extremely grateful to Dalena and her team for ALWAYS going the extra mile for Daniel. It has changed our lives! "
- Sandra da Costa, Parent
From failing every subject to a 75% average - this is Ruan's brain training success story:
"Before we started our son on BrainRx, we went from extra lessons to private tutors, to support and developmental programs, to no avail.
Our son was 10 years old, he could not read and could hardly write properly. He failed every single subject, every single term and there was no help from the mainstream schools.
Eventually we enrolled him at a remedial school where they advised that he has ADHD and that we needed to put him on medications - the ADHD was apparently the reason for his bad grades. They advised that our son would never be able to attend a normal school again or even study further at a university as he was 'special'.
When we learned about BrainRx, we immediately had Dalena and her team do a cognitive assessment with our son to determine the extent of our son's 'problem' and/or educational setback.
BrainRx advised that the assessment report indicated our son had a deficiency with regards to his processing speed and auditory processing. So we started our cognitive development program with BrainRx, extremely sceptical and hopeful altogether.
Within the first two weeks of our son attending his BrainRx sessions, we could start to see a change and improvement in our son's grades. Our son started getting 8 out of 10 for English spelling tests, whereas in the past he would get a straight 0 out of 10!
Our son started reading without any difficulty and he achieved 75% and even higher for tests, and a 75% average for tough exams. Our son later achieved and still maintains a 10 out of 10 for his English spelling tests every week.
Today, we have a son who passed all his subjects with distinction and his teachers are so pleased with his achievements. Our son now loves going to school and reads books!
His self-esteem has improved drastically and he can now function as a normal child.
BrainRx not only helped our son to improve his grades, they also gave him a bright future to look forward to, and they gave him a chance at a normal life without any harmful medications."
- Johan & Tanya Krause, Parents
69-year old Alan's BrainRx story:
"Alan is a 69 year old retired Electrical Engineer and Metallurgist.
He had two major brain surgeries in March 2016, when they discovered a massive blood clot on the left side of his brain. He spent nearly two months in the hospital where, at first, he reacted like a complete vegetable - he couldn't walk, talk, eat or read. He didn't have a clue what was going on around him and he was on nappies.
After these two months of intensive Physical Training, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, he was placed in Stepdown for further therapy. He spent almost another month in this facility. When we visited the Neurosurgeon for his post-op follow up, we were advised to send him for more Occupational Therapy.
After another four months of Occupational Therapy, I felt that Alan wasn't improving at all. He battled with short term memory, work speed, long term memory, concentration, processing speed, etc.
It felt like he was being given the easy stuff that he could manage, and the more difficult stuff were not given any attention to. The moment he struggled, that part of the session would be left out.
I asked for an in-depth evaluation. The evaluation showed that he hardly had any shortfalls and that he was okay, which I knew wasn't the full truth.
I discovered a BrainRx pamphlet I took a couple of months before and phoned Dalena from BrainRx.
We went for the Cognitive Skills Assessment and what a shocker when we had the feedback consultation. Alan wasn't performing at all! Both of us were absolutely shattered and shocked by the results of his Cognitive Skills Assessment.
When I compared the Occupational Therapy assessment results to the BrainRx Cognitive Skills Assessment results, it was as if it was two different people.
Dalena explained the BrainRx route to us and we grabbed the lifeline she presented to us. Alan started his BrainRx cognitive skills development course towards the end of November 2016. After two weeks, I could already start to see things were changing. We then went on leave and Dalena gave us a couple of exercises to concentrate on - we had a ball doing these exercises every day.
Even our kids immediately saw major differences in their Dad's progression and performance.
During November 2016, Eskom contracted Alan as Consulting Engineer on one of their court cases. The first meeting was an absolute waste of time - Alan hardly remembered anything about his job he did for 48 years.
But when he went back during January 2017, it was a completely different story! He remembered everything and actually added value to the court case. He spent three days being cross-examined in court and he was brilliant, handling every question perfectly.
Alan is showing immense progression and as we slowly but surely are nearing the end of his BrainRx sessions, we both are more positive about Alan's life journey ahead.
Thank you Dalena, and your whole BrainRx Team, for working so diligently and empathetically with Alan - BRAINRX GAVE US HOPE FOR THE FUTURE!!!"
- Sonia Emery, Spouse
Mamma van 'n Graad R-seuntjie vertel van hulle BrainRx ervaring:
"Die suster wat by was tydens André se geboorte, het al sy dimpeltjie op sy wang gesien voordat hy uit my maag uit was.
En dis hoe die mannetjie sy hele lewe nog was - lagged, gelukkig.
Net soos baie kinders (seuntjies veral), sukkel André van 4 jaar af met beplanning of 'praxis' soos terapeute dit noem.
Geen probleem, ons begin arbeidsterapie. Maar 'n jaar en 'n half later vorder hy nie net stadig nie, maar sê sy juffrou ons moet hom moontlik terughou in Graad R.
Ons het hom juis van die Kleuterskool na die Laerskool Graad R geskuif sodat hy kan maats maak - nou moontlik teruggehou?
Ons het op daardie stadium al van BrainRx gehoor, maar het dit nie heeltemal verstaan nie. Ek het eintlik gedink dat ons ons dogter ('n absolute akademikus) in Graad 3 sal stuur ter voorbereiding vir Graad 4.
In elk geval het ons min tyd voor die einde van die jaar, Neuroloë is vol – so, ons probeer BrainRx.
Nou moet ek bysê, ons gelukkige 'smiley' seuntjie het hierdie jaar heeltemal teruggetrek in sy dop en het huilerig begin word. So party BrainRx sessies was baie emosioneel.
Junie skoolvakansie kom help my Ma en my sussie om André deur die vakansie meer gereeld by BrainRx te kry.
Twee dae in die nuwe kwartaal in, sê die Juffrou vir my dat sy nie te gou opgewonde wil raak nie, maar nie net maak André sy werkies klaar nie, hy werk baie vinnig!
Ons is nie halfpad met die BrainRx program nie, en ons seuntjie lag weer, hy’t meer selfvertroue en hy werk so hard.
Aan almal by BrainRx - die geduld en liefde met ons kind word meer waardeer as wat ons kan beskryf.
Dankie!! "
- Estee du Toit, Ouer
20-year old Dyslexia student's amazing BrainRx story:
"Before I started with brain training, I struggled greatly with regards to reading and writing, and became very frustrated at my lack of ability to concentrate both at school and in day-to-day life.
I started to blame myself for my inability to perform in these areas, which lead me to give up trying for fear of failure, and felt very sceptical when my Mom first introduced me to the brain training course, as I attempted several other courses throughout my life such as reading courses, occupational therapy, as well as brain stimulation courses to no avail.
I felt insecure and disheartened over the fact that my family spent so much money and time trying to help me, while I simply wasn't getting better.
When I did my first assessment with BrainRx, I was worried it would turn out to be the same as my other courses, and was surprised to find that it was nothing like them.
The people that helped me understood what I was going through and explained to me that I was not alone in my inabilities and that people with even more severe cases than myself have been able to get better - therefore giving me hope that I, myself, could get better as well.
Once I started with the course, I was excited to push myself and my brain to greater heights, and for the first time it wasn't anyone else pushing me, but myself, and I had finally found the motivation to better myself which I was previously lacking in other courses.
I had finally found the reasons for my dyslexia and concentration problems, and was finally able to push past them and test the limits of my brain to the point of mental exhaustion. Both my and my brain's abilities were starting to surpass my expectations.
At the end of the course, I was sad to leave due to the bonds I had formed with my brain trainers, and was sad to leave what felt to be a safe environment in which I was able to look past my failures and focus on my successes instead.
I was sad but excited at the same time to see how my newfound skills and abilities would help me better myself in day-to-day life.
Thank you BrainRx for helping me better myself to the extend that I now have the confidence to say that both myself and my abilities have finally begun to improve and my insecurities have started to fade away."
- Jason de Jager, Dyslexia student
Mamma van 'n tweeling vertel van hulle BrainRx ervaring:
"Ons reis met BrainRx het begin deur 'n e-pos met inligting wat my man aan my gestuur het.
As 'n Ma van tweeling seuns wat alewig kompeteer met mekaar, van hulle lengte tot hulle akademiese prestasies, het ek dit gesien as 'n oplossing.
Beide Henro en Luan het akademies nie sleg gevaar nie, maar omdat my Luan ‘n kind is wat eerder in die klas sal sit en dink aan wat hy vanmiddag als na skool kan aanvang by die huis, was sy konsentrasie net nie aldag by sy werk nie.
Gevolglik het hy ook swakker begin presteer as Henro, wat weer daartoe gelei het dat hy eendag vir my kom vra het: "Mamma, hoekom doen Henro dan soveel beter as ek op skool, en ek leer nét so hard en dalk nog meer as hy by die huis?"
In my hart het ek die antwoord geken, Luan fokus nie op dit wat hy leer nie en by die skool is sy gedagtes by alles wat hy wil maak as die skoolklok lui.
Ek het die tweetjies laat assesseer by BrainRx en nadat hulle al die stappe van die kursus aan ons verduidelik het, het ons besluit dit is net wat ons die twee moet laat doen. Nie net het ons gevoel dat dit vir Luan sal help nie, maar ook dat ons vir Henro daardeur nog meer van 'n voordeel kan gee.
Ons het die BrainRx kursus aangepak en wat 'n reis was dit nie! Ek wil dit amper ook 'n avontuur noem. Deur die hele kursus kon ek sien hoe my twee manne begin vorder, nie net akademies nie, maar ook wat hulle selfbeeld en deursettingsvermoë betref.
Ons het in die middel van die tweede kwartaal in 2016 begin met BrainRx en reeds teen die einde van daardie kwartaal was daar al 'n merkbare verskil.
Die grootste verskil het ons teen die einde van die vierde kwartaal gesien. Luan se punte het in sommige vakke met soveel as 15% verbeter, en in sommige vakke het hy tot vir Henro, wat altyd beter presteer het, geklop!
Wat 'n wonderlike bonus is, is dat hulle dit nie meer sien as kompetisie met mekaar nie, maar dat elkeen presteer in sy eie reg.
Selfs op sportgebied - hulle is altwee swemmers wat mekaar goed kompetisie gee, maar selfs dit gaan ook nie meer soseer oor die "eie ek" nie, maar eerder oor dit wat hulle elkeen kan bereik.
Dit is nou al amper twee jaar terug dat ons kennis gemaak het met Dalena van BrainRx, en dit is met groot dankbaarheid dat ek kan terugkyk en net dankie sê.
Die eksamen is reeds weer op ons en dis so lekker om te sien dat daar geen vrees meer is vir eksamen nie, want my kind sê "Mamma, die werk is maklik want ek het opgelet in die klas en ek onthou alles, tannie Dalena het my geleer hoe." - en dit is wat my hart so bly maak.
Ek kan met groot dankbaarheid in my hart BrainRx aanbeveel vir énige een...dink soms ek het dit ook nodig om als in my kop te kan orden!"
- Lucille van der Merwe, Ouer
From "too busy" to "superstar", this is 9-year old Dean's inspiring BrainRx story:
"My son is a busy 9 year old who joined BrainRx in May 2016.
We enrolled him in the hopes of improving his spelling and reading - but mostly concentration and timing.
My fear was that he was falling behind in the school system - with everything that was expected from him.
BrainRx improved more than that - it boosted his self-confidence and taught him not to give up so easily.
The course had fun days but also tough days - as we all know, we cannot grow if we stay in our comfort zones. BrainRx helped him to stretch that brain. I noticed that he enjoyed games more without becoming frustrated.
His work in class improved tremendously as well as his attitude to reading and learning.
Schools these days are not geared to develop, strengthen and stretch cognitive skills. The syllabus is so taxing - they have so much work that they have to get through. Mostly school is set up to be results and task driven.
Initially it is difficult to tangibly see the results of what BrainRx brain training can do but my son surprised me in a lot of ways and still does daily.
He sets goals and achieves them. He works hard at his tasks and is proud when he gets good results.
He is very confident in himself and knows he is capable, if something is difficult, he does not just throw in the towel. There are areas which we still work on but I believe that we have the necessary processes and skills for him to find equilibrium in his thinking and to reach his full potential - in his relationships, life and school environment.
The teachers love this confident boy and he has great relations with his peers. All in all, BrainRx brain training gives you a balance to be able to cope with any situation in life.
The final results speak for themselves and yes, they do also go hand in hand with a balanced diet, sleep and exercise, but the proof is in the pudding:
School marks above 90% for a child that was struggling less than a year ago. Gold medals in sport and Merits for music exams as well as an Eisteddfod winner - shows tremendous growth in a child - of which I am so proud but mostly thankful to BrainRx."
- Anso Wise, Parent
Graad 3-sterretjie se Pappa vertel:
Lana se BrainRx ervaring is een wat van versigtig optimisties gegroei het tot iets wat sy geniet het. Lana was veral trots daarop om te vertel dat haar prestasie sessie na sessie verbeter het.
Daar was 'n definitiewe opwaartse kurwe met betrekking tot hoe sy presteer het.
Lana het nooit opgesien om BrainRx te gaan doen nie. Selfs al het dit beteken dat sy Saterdae moes vroeer opstaan, het sy dit met minimale protes gedoen. Lana het die uitdaging wat BrainRx gestel het, aangepak sonder om terug te deins.
BrainRx het Lana se skoolprestasie positief beinvloed. Sy het 'n besondere akademiese prestasie behaal aan die einde van Graad 3.
Al haar rapport simbole was sewes.
Sy het selfs uit haar dop gekruip met kuns, iets wat sy altyd gevoel het sy geen talent voor het nie, het sy begin inisiatief toon om boeke te versier vir Graad 4.
Op kulturele gebied het sy ook presteer deur as die beste klavier leerling in Graad 3 aangewys te word, asook om haar eerste musiek teorie eksamen by UNISA af te lê.
Op sosiale gebied het Lana baie meer selfvertroue getoon. Sy het nie gehuiwer om vreemdelinge te vra vir aanwysings of instruksies tydens 'n onlangse familie vakansie oorsee, iets wat sy nooit voorheen gedoen het nie.
Lana het ook die volgende prestasies behaal:
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Volpunte vir speltoetse, beide Afrikaans en Engels
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Werk vinniger in die klas en met huiswerk
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Selfvertroue is baie meer om te probeer en dinge te doen wat sy voorheen nie sou doen nie
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Sy begin besef sy presteer en sy verstaan dat sy mag trots wees daarop
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Haar einde-van-die-jaar rapport vir Graad 3 het net 7's bevat
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Sy ontvang 'n toekenning vir bogemiddelde prestasie aan die einde van Graad 3
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Lees vinniger en Afrikaanse leesbegrip het baie verbeter
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Haar geheue verbeter verder en sy onthou instruksies asook gebeure en gesprekke beter
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Sy vind woordsomme makliker
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Sy het haar eerste redenaarskompetisie suksesvol voltooi en haar hele toespraak uit haar kop onthou
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Sy het 'n Graad 3 Redenaars toekenning ontvang
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Sy het 'n klavier toekenning ontvang
- Joop, Ouer