Testimonials

Suri Seeogobin-Maharaj · Mother of Sandhya Divya Maharaj Awarded Top SEA Student 2025

I had the opportunity to attend the creative writing and comprehension workshops at Oaktree International Institute of Education, and they were truly beneficial. These sessions gave me a clearer understanding of the SEA syllabus, particularly in the areas of creative writing and comprehension. As a result, I felt much more confident in guiding and supporting my daughter with her preparation.

One of the aspects I appreciated most was that the workshops were designed for both parents and children. This approach allowed us to learn together and created a more supportive and engaging environment for both of us. The comprehension textbooks were also incredibly helpful. Although I purchased them separately from the workshop, they complemented what we learned perfectly. The books broke down the material in a clear and simple way, focusing on the basics, which made it much easier for my daughter and me to understand and revise effectively.

Overall, the experience was very positive, and I would highly recommend these workshops to any parent looking to be more involved and effective in their child’s SEA preparation.

Caren Persad-Khan · Retired Principal

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Comprehension and Creative Writing Workshop. It was indeed a good opportunity to refresh my skills in those areas and to learn some new techniques and effective strategies for teaching the subjects.

Your style of teaching is phenomenal as I discovered very practical and creative ideas especially when you demonstrated how the subjects are linked. The sessions were relevant and engaging and you were able to address the concerns that were raised.

There were also resources to assist both teacher and student. I highly recommend this workshop as the presenter was fantastic.

Laurel Gould · Std 4/5 Parent, Guidance Officer I

We are very pleased with our decision to enroll our daughter in the creative writing class offered by Oaktree International Institute of Education.

Miss Shay's style and method of teaching is exceptional. She teaches her students the process of writing, not just how to pass one exam. She begins with simple sentences and takes them on a journey to becoming a proficient writer. One who understands and produces written pieces of work in different styles of writing.

Since beginning this class my daughter's level of confidence has increased. She enjoys writing and looks forward to sharing what she's written. With Miss Shay's guidance she's learning to navigate the writing process without stiffling her creativity. The textbooks that accompany the course are invaluable. They're packed with tips, techniques and practice exercises. All geared to developing the students' skill, confidence and love for writing.

Stephanie Knights · Teacher

As both a parent and an educator with over 25 years of experience, it was difficult to watch my daughter struggle with Reading Comprehension, Poetry, and especially Creative Writing. Even with my background, I had to admit, I didn’t know how to help her the way she needed. And that’s okay. Recognizing this, I reached out to colleagues in the teaching fraternity. A good friend, S. Akal, recommended Oaktree International Institute of Education, and I’m so grateful she did.

We began the journey just five weeks before SEA. At first, my daughter was hesitant. But after the very first session, everything changed. She started sharing what she’d learned, showing deeper understanding, and, most importantly, looking forward to every session. Her writing improved noticeably, and I’m proud to say she passed for her first-choice school.

Thank you, Oaktree International for your expert guidance and unwavering support. You’ve done an exceptional job, and we’re so thankful. To fellow educators: our students do struggle in these areas. Let’s partner with Oaktree International Institute of Education and help them reach their true potential.

Deborah Brooms-Alfred · Teacher

I had the opportunity to experience a reading comprehension workshop with my Standard Four class recently. Ms. Shay conducted a lively, interactive session with the pupils. The students were eager to read the passages and answer questions, as they received tips on how to approach the various questions in both factual passages and poems. SEA past papers were utilized as well.

Comprehension is an issue with most students. We live in an era where most children are no longer interested in books. After the session, some students were motivated to read. I believe that this was largely due to the Comprehension workshop.

Although Wifi was a challenge, Oaktree International put things in place to ensure that we were able to log in from inside the classroom. I particularly liked that the price was affordable and included a workbook.

I recommend Oaktree International to any parent or teacher. Ms. Shay and her team are genuinely interested in seeing students succeed.

Karen Waheed · Teacher

I was first introduced to the Mastering Comprehension Skills workshops during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. At that time, I was searching for new ways to support my students under difficult and changing conditions. Despite being a veteran teacher, I found the workshops to be incredibly insightful. They provided fresh perspectives, practical strategies, and professional development that continues to benefit both myself and my students. I still look forward to these sessions as they offer ongoing opportunities for growth, reflection, and application in the classroom. The improvement I’ve seen in students’ comprehension scores over the years is certainly tied to the learning I’ve gained through these workshops.

Teacher · Workshop Attendee

Thank you, Miss, for enriching us in terms of knowledge, pedagogy and making us better teachers. I really appreciate what you have done because I am a new teacher and I am now in Standard Four for the first time. Your workshops have greatly helped me. Thank you, Miss! You’re truly a gem!

Teacher · Workshop Attendee

Thank you for the wealth of knowledge you have imparted even though I am at the junior, Std 2. As you know, I’ve been waiting since March for this course, so it was definitely worth the wait.

Teacher · Workshop Attendee

Thank you so much, Miss Shay. This workshop was so beneficial to me. I gained insights that are extremely interesting especially in Comprehension, Story and Report Writing. I feel so empowered to deliver the knowledge gained to my students now. I know for certain the strategies will be effective in my ELA Writing and Comprehension lessons. Thank you, Miss.

Parent · Workshop Attendee

"The 4-day workshop was the best decision made. It helped us close gaps and build confidence in English Language through practical, student-centered activities."

Parent · Workshop Attendee

I totally enjoyed and learned a lot from the workshop. The style and the knowledge of the presenter, Miss Shay, was totally amazing. The techniques taught to the kids were relatable and will pave the path for better creative writing scripts. Additionally the workshop had an easy, enjoyable and participative flow. I was glad to be a part.

Parent · Workshop Attendee

The sessions which were held were quite beneficial to my child. She was taught skills that will strengthen her writing and comprehension ability which will give her an added advantage in the upcoming SEA exam. An added bonus was the fact that it was very affordable. Well done Miss Shay. Thanks a million.

Parent · Workshop Attendee

My daughter and I had the pleasure of attending The 4-day workshops hosted by Miss Shay from Oaktree International. It was the best decision made and time well spent. Miss Shay was exceptional in the delivery of her topics and this allowed us to close the gap on various issues we may have had within these subject areas. These Workshops were designed to assist and educate both parent and child in the various subject matters of English Language and they did just that. I highly recommend that all parents take full advantage of this opportunity for the betterment of their child’s future endeavors. May god continue to bless you all as you continue to impart your knowledge to our future leaders.

Parent · Workshop Attendee

As a parent I was thoroughly impressed with the four day workshop conducted by Oaktree International Institute. The course content allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of what is required for SEA English Language Arts and Creative Writing. The sessions dedicated to Narrative and Report writing were critical. I now feel equipped to help my child in her Creative Writing. I cannot emphasize the importance of parent engagement in these sessions. The mutual gains by both my daughter and I will assist her not only in her SEA exams but throughout her academic life. Thank you so much Miss Shay!

Teacher · Workshop Attendee

These Creative Writing Workshops for students were informative and edifying, even for me as a teacher. I appreciated the candid approach by Mrs. Strann, which encouraged students to feel comfortable to share their work. Useful teaching strategies were reinforced for me to make Creative Writing simpler and more exciting for my students. I highly recommend these workshops for students, parents and teachers.