When Lejla first joined a Shichida baby class, she was just 9 months old.
She joined a Baby2 class, which in Shichida terminology refers to our class for infants from approximately 9–11 months of age. This is a crucial developmental stage where brain connections are forming rapidly through sensory input, bonding, music, rhythm, and right-brain stimulation.
From those very early days, sitting on her mum’s lap, Lejla continued her journey with us all the way through to PSP (The Shichida Primary School Program), graduating with the Shichida Class of 2021.
Today, in 2026, she is a confident Year 8 student – and her story continues to inspire us all.
Recognised from a Young Age
Lejla’s remarkable memory and confidence were evident early on.
As a young child, she was featured in national media for her extraordinary ability to memorise and recite over 100 decimal places of Pi.
She appeared in:
-
news.com.au – “The Sydney brain training centre creating child geniuses”
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/kids/the-sydney-brain-training-centre-creating-child-geniuses/news-story/22ff29dc2f2f7f3c7a0cdf204401098a -
The Mercury News feature – “5-year-old can recite Pi over 100 decimal places”
https://www.themercury.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/5-year-old-can-recite-pi-over-100-decimal-places/video/
These early events reflected not just strong memory skills, but focus, composure and confidence beyond her years.
📖 Read our feature story on Lejla’s early journey:
https://www.shichida.com.au/blog/news-com-au/
A Voice Among NSW’s Future Leaders
In 2025, Lejla was selected as one of only 27 students to serve on the NSW Minister’s Student Council.
The Minister’s Student Council is the peak forum connecting NSW public school students directly with NSW Education and the Minister for Education. To be chosen reflects exceptional leadership, communication skills, and the ability to represent peers at a state level.
But Lejla didn’t stop there.
Young Citizen of the Year – 2026
This year, as part of the Canterbury-Bankstown Council Australia Day Awards, Lejla was honoured with the title:
Young Citizen of the Year – 2026 (read more from https://www.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/your-council/media-centre/bondi-hero-receives-key-to-canterbury-bankstown-australia-day-awards)
Her family attended the ceremony feeling grateful that she had even been nominated. When her name was announced as the recipient, they were completely overwhelmed.
Her mum shared this heartfelt message with us:
“We were moved that she was nominated and then completely beside ourselves when they called her up as this year’s recipient.”
“We consider Shichida as family… I know you always kindly check in to see how we are doing so I thought I would share this special news.”
Moments like this remind us that education is not just about academic outcomes – it is about nurturing confident, compassionate young people who contribute meaningfully to their communities.
A Journey We’ve Witnessed Over the Years
Many families may remember Lejla from her earlier appearances when she was much younger.
She was featured in a national media story showcasing her incredible memory ability – including reciting over 100 decimal places of Pi as a young child.
Watch the news feature here:
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/5-year-old-can-recite-pi-over-100-decimal-places/video/
We also had the privilege of interviewing her mum, Zineta, during one of our Shichida information sessions, where she shared insights into Lejla’s development and their parenting journey.
Watch the interview here: https://youtu.be/jfTiz-0hazc?si=Glf77yMfJwZRXHsc
Seeing her progression from those early demonstrations of focus and memory to leadership and community recognition today is really special.
Shichida is More Than a Program – A Community
We are grateful to the Shichida Chatswood team who walked alongside Lejla during her formative years.
What makes this story especially meaningful is the continued relationship. Years after graduating, Lejla’s family still keeps in touch, sharing milestones and achievements.
That ongoing connection speaks volumes about the trust, care and partnership built between educators and families.
The Power of Starting Early
Lejla’s journey began at just 9 months old in Baby2 – during a stage when the brain is developing at an extraordinary pace. At Shichida, we call this the Golden Period of Development.
Through consistent nurturing, positive reinforcement, memory work, public speaking practice and leadership development, we witnessed her grow not only academically, but in confidence and character.
We cannot wait to see what the world holds next for Lejla!
Because when children are nurtured early, they grow into individuals who make a difference.
