I am Julian Entjes, founder of GiGi – Guide and Grow – Learning Hub. (previously known as GiGi Educational Services)

 

I started guiding children and families in 2020 after 20+ years in education from working in a 24/7 care and education facility for undiagnosed children in The Netherlands, to International mainstream education and SEN support in different settings in Zambia.

 

In Zambia, since 2000, I noticed how some children really struggled and underperformed in mainstream schools. Every experience was unique and asked for a different approach, time frame and care and as a teacher and person I sometimes failed to really help and support the child and family in the setting available, facing many obstacles.

 

During covid and online-learning I saw some children doing so much better being in a safer environment working at their own speed with a more one-to-one guidance. I decided to take a break to explore my options as an educator and/ or keyworker, but was soon asked to help some children that could no longer go to school due to various reasons.

 

I started teaching a few children on my veranda and in my home with very few resources, helping each individual child and its family to gain hope and confidence for a brighter (educational) future.

 

Over the years I also advised and guided many families without ever teaching the child, always searching for the best available education and guidance in and outside Zambia. It’s only when the family and I conclude a (temporarily) placement at GiGi is the best option available, providing the child is willing, we decide to observe and work with the child at GiGi.

 

We work hand in hand with specialists like psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, assessors and schools to optimize the child’s learning and growth. The unique approach at GiGi is what we call ‘Learner-Led’ learning whereby the child is our guide and reference, not a curriculum or existing diagnosis or ‘label’.

 

It is a journey I and my colleagues undertake with the child and its family, searching for the best approach and care whereby expectations may be adjusted and a happier, more peaceful and calm learning journey is achieved.

 

The hub is not a ‘classroom’ but a homey place where we form a ‘family away from home’ whereby age or learning and/ or social, emotional or behaviour challenges are no limiting factors as long as the GiGi family suits the learner and vice versa and mutual agreement is achieved at all times. Therefore, a thorough intake and trial period is required whereby everyone is fully involved.

 

Once the learning journey is on its way we observe the learner daily and keep the parents updated throughout whereby we adjust our approach and instruction continuously; hourly, daily, monthly, etc. in order to achieve the highest possible outcome given the child is motivated and happy. Learning and growth can only happen when a child is safe and happy at the hub and at home so that will always be our first priority.

 

Whether we work with personalized educational programmes and/ or existing programmes/ curricula/ homeschooling programmes, all depends on the child and its family’s needs and preferences.

 

We work with only a small group of learners whereby we ensure a one-to-one instruction and guidance at all times and whereby everyone works at his or her own level.