Dr Rashmi Mantri
Director @British Youth International College
BSc (Hons), MSc (Dist), PhD Computer Science, University of the West of Scotland byitc.org, Supermaths.co.uk
Introduction
Mother Teresa was an inspiration to countless millions, and I am no different. Her lifelong devotion to working for the whole of humanity imbibed a sense of altruism in me. I am a blessed Mother and an Entrepreneur. Most of my life I worked as an Educator, a Researcher, a Professor in various universities in UK, Software Team Lead, Software Course Content developer and a Corporate Software Trainer. I am extremely devoted to work towards improving and investing in youth education. Like Nelson Mandela once said, “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow”. For a country to have a bright future, the youth have to be addressed, helped and shaped.My Story Behind the Online Business
Education is undoubtedly my passion and I believe that the world can be changed through education.
- My life’s journey, including my move from teaching adults to teaching children, all revolves around my son, Dhruv Maheshwari. When Dhruv was in Primary 5, I asked him to solve a simple arithmetic sum for me. It was as basic as subtracting 13 from 35. But much to my disbelief, he couldn’t solve it. I was disappointed and decided to change the way my child looked at numbers.
- I started teaching him Maths informally using an interesting and humble tool called Abacus. The Abacus is as old as the civilization itself, yet not many use it in today’s times. Believe it or not, after learning the Abacus method, Dhruv could have calculate sums faster than a calculator!
- Dhruv responded to the new method very well and picked up the Abacus Mental Theory in just 6 days. He is now proudly known as the “Human Calculator!”. The name was given to him by an ITV show, Little Big Shots, where he was invited to perform and display his incredibly fast calculations.
- Post the show, we received a huge response from parents all over Scotland. Many of them came rushing in requesting me to teach their child the same method. They simply couldn’t believe that this was real!
- Catering to my son’s request, I also organized an Open Day at his school and received an astounding response from students as well as their parents.
This was the beginning of BYITC_SuperMaths.
Here is how the technique works – Dhruv calculating faster than a calculator
Here is how the worlds first Abacus maths application works
- Call it a coincidence or destiny, but whatever I did as a mother for my child’s academic development at first place was soon structured and compiled formally as a course to be taught to other children.
- Dhruv always helps me with the classes and continually provides me with ideas and feedback from a student’s point of view. In fact, the name SuperMaths was also coined by him, which comes under the umbrella of British Youth International College.
- All I wished by having this name is that we will be able to deliver quality education to the children Internationally and this dream came true eventually after we gone online.
- We manage to build a reasonably good branding physically and digitally within a year as a result of parent’s belief on our high quality education. Word of mouth contributed to our speedy success.
Soon it became an established business model in UK mainly because
- There was no Indian Abacus centre in Scotland that time
- We have developed contents mostly suitable to UK children.
- We (Dhruv and I) have done a full research of the available courses, elsewhere in the world and made the best-in-class contents.It took us a full 2 years to develop these 11 levels.Suitable contents was the key of this triumph.
- I had to obviously leave my highly paid job to develop these contents. Basically, we worked for ourselves and helped ourselves to build on our dream. All my corporate course content development and research experience came handy here.
- This Model could be replicated by others, and we were ready for another victory by franchising and running in the schools, that too was a instantaneous that it went to the extent which resulted in a ‘Hit’ Business Model.
- We had 6 physical centres successfully operating across Glasgow and Edinburgh. At the same time, we had a great digital presence with the first ranking on Googleand thousands on follows on social media handles.
- This noble cause of sharing knowledge motivates me and Dhruv to keep working together, and it is extremely rewarding to see children excelling in all-round academic skills.
- As we all know Necessity brings innovations. My journey from Binary digits to Abacus digits helped me in understanding & designing the world’s first online e-learning Abacus application.
- Even though pandemic paused the world for a few months, we decided to take the entire classes online because Quality Education cannot and should not stop. My education and professional background in computing came in handy here.
- I’m happy to mention that due to such an exemplary Abacus web application, we have now gone global with students from as far as Australia, Dubai, India and even the USA.
- All the classes are conducted virtually. We are in touch with certain schools as well, in plans to deploy our courses through their channels.
Dhruv’s interest in coding and programming started at a very young age. This is in 2016 when coding was not in trend that much. Every time he played a game, he used to pose a thousand questions – ‘How is this made? How does it work? How do the characters move on their own?’
I started teaching him coding to satisfy his curiosity. At the tender age of 10, he managed to build a game himself through all these learnings.
He went on to deliver video tutorials on YouTube on topics of Website and Game Development or Cyber Security for kids at the age of 10. Dhruv updates and maintains the YouTube channel for the British Youth IT College as well.
Here is the link to the BYITC Youtube channel
This is how we started providing computer coding classes for kids, covering various programming languages. Kids absolutely love developing their logical programming skills through our courses.
Following suit, we introduced the Computer Games Development Summer Boot Camps for kids.
This also included a much interesting Robotics and build your own PC workshops.
AgainWe were the first Centre in Glasgow (in 2016) that successfully provides such a structured, regular and weekly computer coding and Robotics class for kids of different ages, dividing the courses from Beginner to Advanced levels.
And all of this, at the comfort of your home! Online classes have proven effective, efficient, and extremely convenient for students. Not to forget, Safe!
Glasgow Harold published this at that time –
Dr Rashmi Mantri, founder of Glasgow’s British Youth IT College (BYITC) which offers after school classes in coding for 9-13-year-olds, is also blown away by the ability of many of the young people she works with. She was inspired to leave her job at the University of the West of Scotland to set up the college addressing the skills gap she saw in her son Dhruv Maheshwari’s education. Now the 12-year-old has built the company website and writes fluent code. The weekly classes and holiday clubs have been so popular that the school is launching an Edinburgh branch today. “Some of the kids are very advanced,” said Mantri. “They are making Java-based mobile apps and they are excited to be using a language used by “real” programmes. A lot of the children here have parents with an IT background who can see the importance of this for their children’s future. But for the kids it is just fun to code.”
Here is the full article in Glasgow herald
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/16030509.coding-new-alphabet-kids-prepared/- Received a court Medal for passing MSc with highest marks in the University of the West of Scotland.
- Received an exceptional Scholarship (double the Scholarship) from the University of the West of Scotland to pursue Doctorate, this “Double the Grant” was available only for one person in the university and I was chosen for this.
- Received the start-up funding from the First port UK £2500
- Received funding for the children’s project from the Foundation Scotland £2500
Dr Rashmi Mantri – Best Entrepreneur Award
Dr Rashmi Mantri is awarded “IIW She Inspires award” under “Best Entrepreneur” category.
IIW (Inspiring India Women) is one of the most recognised organisations working with women of Indian origin.
IIW organises “IIW She Inspires Awards” every year to identify and recognise the ordinary women who are doing so much in their field but hardly recognised.
Special recognition award by LOANI UK – LOANI (Ladies of All Nations International)
Being active in a lot of social and education related initiatives and I received recognition for my work from reputed organisations LOANI a prestigious global organisation working for supporting and uplifting the underprivileged in various communities, awarded me with Special Recognition Award for my contribution towards uplifting students and females through my educational initiatives.
Dr Rashmi Mantri in LOANI Award ceremony with the Mayer or Elton, Miss UK and others
Judge – speech competition by Scottish Indian cultural and Festival committee(SICFC)
Dr Rashmi Mantri was invited as a one of the judges for the most prestigious speech competition organised by Scottish Indian cultural and Festival committee.
Judge – speech competition by Scottish Indian cultural and Festival committee (SICFC)
Chief Guest -Pushkar International Music School
Honoured to be a chief guest at Pushkar International Music School,to celebrate an Independence day @Pushkar Lake.Received certificate of appreciation and a trophy.
Chief Guest – Pushkar International Music School
Invited to Sophia College Ajmer Rajasthan
Invited to deliver a seminar in the institution, where once in childhood, I struggled to study for various reasons related to family, distance from Pushkar, and challenges of girl child education to name a few!!VaktVakt ki baathai..
Invited to Sophia College Ajmer Rajasthan
Dr Rashmi is also guest and expert columnist and author with many leading print and digital media houses. She regularly shares her thought and opinion about education and mental development of children.
Dr Rashmi’s educational initiative and her organisation BYITC Supermaths has been covered my many top media houses for the unique initiatives.
BBC Radio show – Dr Rashmi Mantri appearance with Kaye Adams
BBC Radio Scotland interview in “The Kaye Adams Show”- Dr Rashmi Mantri was invited and interviewed two times on BBC Scotland Radio Show. The first show topic was “Should we ban calculator from Scottish Classrooms?”
News18
This Woman’s Video Teaching Her Son Math with Abacus went Viral. Now, She Runs an EdTech Company (news18.com)
Dr Rashmi Manti’s story in India’s leading media house New18 Network-
News18 Coverage
BBC Radio show Once Again –Dr Rashmi Mantri on Kaye Adams show
The second time invitation BBC show topic was “Importance of computer coding skills over traditional inter-communication skills in the education of children”.
BBC Radio show Once Again – Dr Rashmi Mantri on Kaye Adams show
Invitation to the STV Show
Dr Rashmi Mantri and her son Dhruv Maheshwari’s interview at STV2 Show “Live at Five” STV2 show Live at 5pm – Dr Rashmi Mantri and Dhruv Maheshwari – YouTube
Invitation to the STV Show
ITV Show Little Big Shots
Can These Human Calculators Really Solve Any Problem? (YOUTUBE EXCLUSIVE) | Little Big Shots – YouTube –Dr Rashmi Mantri’s students appeared on Little Big Shots Show with Dawn French to display their amazing mathematics skills. That’s where Dawn French called children a human calculators.
ITV Show Little Big Shots
Times of India
1. Dr Rashmi’s article on topic “Can proper Abacus training create brilliant mathematicians” was published in “Times of India” (Worlds largest English language newspaper)- Click here
The Glasgow Hearld
Coding is the new alphabet … but are your kids prepared? | HeraldScotland (follow the link for details) –Dr Rashmi Mantri’s story in Herald Scotland titled “ Coding is the new alphabet…but are your kids prepared?”-
Spotify
The leading audio streaming platform, did a podcast session on Dr Rashmi Mantri on topic “Making Maths-fun through BYITC Abacus Program- In Conversation with Dr. Rashmi Mantri” – Making Maths – fun through BYITC ABACUS Program – In Conversation with Dr. Rashmi Mantri – De Zero Stories | Podcast on Spotify
Dr Rashmi’s story in The Scottish Mail
Local Scottish Radio Channel Awaz FM
Dr Rashmi Manti and her students interview was done on Awaz FM’s popular program “Aajkal with Manjulika”
The Pioneer
Abacus for your child’s growth (dailypioneer.com)Dr Rashmi’s article on topic “Abacus for your child’s growth” was published in leading Indian daily “The Pioneer”
Your Story Media
How franchise model spreads awareness by reaching out to larger audience (yourstory.com)
Business World Education
Importance Of Teaching The Right English To Children From A Nascent Stage – BW Education(businessworld.in) Dr Rashmi Mantri’s expert opinion was published in leading business media platform “Business World Education” on topic “Importance of teaching the right English to children from the nascent stage.” –
The Statesman
BYITC starts Teacher Training Programme to empower education community in India – The Statesman – Dr Rashmi Manti’s “Teacher Training Program” an initiative to empower education community especially women educationist and teachers was highly appre – ciated and covered by prime media platforms like “The Statesman” and many more…
The Tribune India
British accent and pronunciation training for kids : The Tribune India Dr Rashmi Mantri’s training program on “British Accent and pronunciation for Kids” was covered by leading media house “The Tribune” among many…
British Youth International College is a socially responsible organisation, and it does take a lot of social initiatives to help the society become a better place to live.
BYITC INVENTORS -BYITC Inventors Club – British Youth International College
Kids club called BYITC Inventors is a new initiative by BYITC team. This new value addition invites –
- Kids of any age to join the club,
- Any kids’ parents who would like to join us to execute the following ideas, please let us know.
BYITC Inventors is totally free to join and will focus on the enhancement of both the academic and non-academic skills, including:
- Confidence building
- Leadership
- Public speaking
- Dealing with failure
- STEM Competitions
- Knowledge transfer partnership across the globe
- Chance to meet with inspiring people(i.e. Time Magazine first child Gitanjali etc.)
- Creative writing workshops
- Author skills
- Spelling and vocabulary workshops
- Early age Entrepreneurship Workshops
- Logical reasoning
- Basic coding club
- Basic Cyber club
- Solving puzzles
- Sport days
- Dancing and singing talents
- Instruments playing talents
- Drive kids’ motivation and determination
- Set your routine
- Learn to be patient
- Science and technology
- Kids walking and exercise
- Awareness of the healthy diet
- Innovations
- Friendly Competitions and Challenges
- Exciting prizes Sponsored by BYITC
- BYITC Inventors is an initiative of British Youth International College where kids from all part of the globe come together and connects.
- It’s a kid’s club for teaching them non-academic life skills that can help them become better human being. BYITC Inventors organises various activities on a very frequent basis where the global kids participate, perform, compete, and learn together.
- The activities are designed with an objective of developing creativeness, leadership, communication and logical abilities of the children. It’s a completely free platform for the kids.
- Programmes like Creative writing workshops and competition, Maths Challenge, Grammar competition, Rangoli making competitions are organised under BYITC Inventors
Some examples of FREE BYITC Inventors activities for kids
Upskilling and Mentorship Support
- Dr Rashmi believes empowered women can empower the society and with same thought she does a lot of activities to train and make women employable.
- She offers free upskilling courses, mentorship, support, and employment to the women. British youth International College has 99% female workforce, and it testifies Dr Rashmi’s commitment and belief towards women empowerment.
Teacher Training Programme
- Dr Rashmi runs a teacher’s training program for women where they are trained to become expert Abacus Maths/ English language teacher. This program opens new teaching avenues for the trainees.
- After training teachers can teach in various places, as Abacus is a very unique technique and teachers of this technique are always in demand and finding a job in this area is comparatively easy.
- She also supportsthe trained teachers to open their own centres. This programme she would like to run for those housewives in India who are very talented and willing to do a lot but could not do due to household activities.
- Here the exemplary world first Abacus software (Dr Rashmi Idea) will train them to work from home.
Community Work
- Dr Rashmi runs a teacher’s training program for women where they are trained to become expert Abacus Maths/ English language teacher. This program opens new teaching avenues for the trainees.
- After training teachers can teach in various places, as Abacus is a very unique technique and teachers of this technique are always in demand and finding a job in this area is comparatively easy.
She also supportsthe trained teachers to open their own centres. This programme she would like to run for those housewives in India who are very talented and willing to do a lot but could not do due to household activities.
Here the exemplary world first Abacus software (Dr Rashmi Idea) will train them to work from home.
Community Work
Dr Rashmi frequently participates in community events and she actively participate in some organisations like,
- Ladies of All Nation International (LOANI),
- Inspiring Indian Women(IIW),
- Scottish Indian cultural and Festival committee (SICFC), and
- Scottish Indian Mahila Cultural Centre (SCMCC) to name a few.
Workshops for Youngsters
She also frequently visits female college students and counsel them regarding career opportunities and offers suitable career opportunities in British Youth International College.
- In May 2021 she visited the hometown’s – Pushkar International Music School and distributed notebooks and any other educational material to the underprivileged.
- Here is the coverage for it by few news channels – stating the journey from Pushkar to UK
- The daughter of the world-famous brahma’s city Pushkar Dr-Rashmi’s uniqueinitiativesetanexamplein Rajasthan
- In Dec 2021, she was invited in India’s prestigious Sophia Girls College to interact with the female students and informed about the teachers training programme. Many of them were selected for BYITC’s teacher’s training program too.
Scholarships
British Youth International College has also pledged 5 scholarships each month to the girl child where they take its courses for free.
Sponsorships
BYITC is actively participating in sponsorships of the local community events.
Website for more info – www.Supermaths.c.uk and www.Byitc.org