Unlocking Potential: Luka's Story

Shared with kind permission from Luka's parents, Berina and Andrew:

"Luka, a vibrant and resilient child, graced our lives in 2016, born in the sunny state of the United States. As the years unfolded, our journey as a family took us across continents - from Africa to Asia, and finally to Europe. Amidst our adventures, we noticed that Luka's development seemed to lag behind his peers. Despite our persistent efforts and numerous visits to medical professionals, their reassurances failed to assuage our growing concerns. It wasn't until the summer of 2022, as Luka approached school age, that a pivotal moment unfolded.

The preschool Luka attended informed us they couldn't accommodate him, citing full capacity. Our attempts to enroll him elsewhere proved futile, met with responses labeling him as "unmanageable" and prompting assessments for ADHD and psychiatric evaluations. As parents, the weight of these judgments was crushing. Yet, driven by our love for Luka, we pressed on, determined to find a nurturing environment where his unique gifts could flourish.

Our journey led us to Arusha, where our older son had once thrived. In August 2022, Luka found his place in a new preschool. It wasn't until October of that year, during a routine check-up, that the puzzle pieces began to fall into place. The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and ADHD shed light on Luka's challenges and strengths, propelling us toward a path of understanding and support."

"Enter Braeburn School, a beacon of hope on our journey. With the guidance of caring individuals in Arusha, we discovered this haven of education. In January 2023, with the unwavering support of Ms. Lynsey Logan and her dedicated team, Luka embarked on a transformative journey within its walls.

Under the nurturing wing of Ms. Tania Travas, Luka found not just a teacher, but a mentor and champion. Through innovative approaches tailored to his needs, she fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment within him. Beyond academics, she prioritized his holistic well-being, collaborating closely with us to ensure his nutritional needs were met and his talents nurtured.

From small victories like remaining seated during class to monumental achievements like reading, writing, and storytelling, Ms. Tania Travas’ tireless dedication bore fruit. Her selflessness and devotion catalysed a remarkable transformation in Luka, igniting his potential and illuminating the path forward. Further, she diligently guided and collaborated closely with Luka's shadow teacher, Ms. Joyce Lekamoi, ensuring seamless coordination. Moreover, in absence of parents from home as they work abroad and upon our request, she ensured that in-house staff adhered to the school routine and utilised their time at home productively. Employing a thoughtful approach, she assigned manageable tasks and distributed diverse homework assignments, meticulously reviewing them the subsequent day."

"In the tapestry of Luka's journey, Braeburn School and the remarkable individuals within its walls stand as pillars of support and beacons of possibility. With their guidance and Luka's indomitable spirit, the sky is truly the limit.

Our heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude

Berina & Andrew"