Gabriel Smerkovitz, a Kumon student from South Africa

Gabriel Smerkovitz, aged ten Date started (maths) : November 2004 (Silver ASR) Date started (English): August 2005

Before starting Kumon, I struggled with maths and had to be taken out of class for extra lessons. I felt terrible that everyone could do maths and I couldn't. But now I can do my tables at the back of my head thanks to my mother who pushed me to do my work, as well as my wonderful Kumon Instructor, Megan Warren. She has a heart of gold and I wish that all my teachers could be like her. She always helps me to do better through words of encouragement. She makes me feel capable of doing all my work at Kumon.

By doing repeats of worksheets to improve my time and accuracy, I have learnt to work quickly and more accurately. Because I improved so much in maths, I decided to start English.

I cannot say that I haven't felt frustrated at times. Some of the worksheets were really difficult e.g. long division, the eight and nine times tables and reduction. It also took a lot of time and dedication to do Kumon every day including the weekend and holidays. Sometimes all I wanted to do was go to the beach or play with friends instead of doing Kumon. However, my perseverance and encouragement from my Instructor and my mother really paid off. I am now able to fly through my maths at school and I am able to work quicker and concentrate much better in all my subjects. I encourage all children who are struggling in maths or English or who want to improve their maths or English to go to Kumon.

My hobbies are swimming, soccer, listening to music on my iPod and anything to do with technology.