“The eight day (2 four-day courses) “Brain Camp” was challenging, but worthwhile. It was interesting to learn about the intricate aspects of the brain, memory, brain-friendly learning techniques, brain structure, and brain development. It is vital to note that mind maps can be used within the academic setting for planning, helping students to learn more effectively and to advance both students and staff members towards structuring their research more effectively,” says Ms Naude.

According to Ms Naude, the skills that she has acquired will be of great interest to University of Pretoria students and staff, as well as to the communities around her. She is looking forward to transferring her skills to the students she comes into contact with and hopes that they can be enriched by the skills she has acquired.

Tony Buzan - who personally visited the University of Pretoria last year - is a world-renowned intelligence and memory expert. He has advised world leaders and consulted with many organisations, such as Hewlett Packard, Arthur Anderson, IBM, Barclays International, Walt Disney, and British Airways.

Buzan is a regular lecturer at leading universities and business schools and is an adviser to the British Olympic Rowing Squad and the British Olympic Chess Team. He is a recipient of the Eagle Catcher Award – given to those who attempt the impossible and achieve it. The originator of Mind Maps® and the concept of Mental Literacy, he is co-founder of the Mind Sports Olympiad and Chairman of the Brain Foundation.

“I am grateful for the many practical opportunities presented to me by the University of Pretoria to transfer some of the knowledge gained and for the opportunity to be trained in this domain. I hope I will continue to make a difference to the young leaders of tomorrow,” concludes Naude, who has been teaching Tony Buzan's principles to high school learners and university students for over 20 years.