Tasneem has always been a strong-willed and bubbly child. Her drive to learn and perseverance is second to none. She never allows life to get her down, no matter what comes her way.
When Tasneem was in Grade R, I noticed little elements, like her struggling to write her name or read simple alphabet letters. I then approached her teacher, who assured me she was on par and she felt I was measuring Tasneem up to my older children.
She made it through Grade R, but things got tougher in Grade 1. Her teacher had a meeting with me and indicated from her knowledge, but off the record, she suspected Tasneem was dyslexic.
We then worked together to try and help her. I agreed that Tasneem could stay after school two days a week so she could help her read and write. Some days she would message me to inform me that of the six children in her class who needed assistance, Tasneem was the only one who stayed in religiously for the extra help. I felt sorry for her because she wanted to learn but had a barrier.
Grade 2 came and COVID happened. I battled to get the school to assess her through the Dept. of Education. Her doctor at the Red Cross Allergy Department referred us to Lady Michaelis. The response there was: Unfortunately, there is no cure for dyslexia. She has to learn to live with it.
We secured a private sponsor and took her to an educational psychologist who confirmed she had dyslexia. The battle with the school continued. They are an inclusive school, but she needed to be assessed by the department to be transferred to the ICAN (special needs class). To date the assessment was never done.
Grade 3 was another battle, but she is a fantastic teacher who helped and guided us and put in all the extra time. She made it to Grade 4 despite me fighting them to keep her in Grade 3. I knew Grade 4 was the big jump to more subjects. My worst fears became a reality within the first two weeks of school. She was not coping.
I posted in a Facebook group and someone recommended Edublox. I thought, What’s the worst that can happen? She started double lessons as we felt she needed extra help.
Tasneem started the year 2022 in Grade 4, unable to read her reader. She would listen to the other kids read and when it was her turn, she would make up whatever she thought the story entailed. This was with the class laughing and making fun of her as it was not what was in their readers. A month ago, I received a message from her teacher about how well she is now reading. Tasneem definitely has a better way of life since Edublox.
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The days and nights of crying while doing homework are a distant memory. She now does homework on her own and we just check. I am eternally grateful for the impact Edublox has had on Tasneem’s life and I will definitely recommend it to any parent. My child is a better learner since she walked through the doors of Edublox. The improvement is evident.
Well done to Zainu and her team.
Ruschda Petersen
Ruschda Petersen Tasneem's Mother
