Monasa Learning Centre, a newly launched afterschool programme in Gulshan, Dhaka, gives a boost in English and Math to students from pre-kindergarten to grade 6.
But it is not just another coaching centre. Rather, its founders developed their own programme, culled from the finest curriculum around the world. For example, they paired British analytic writing principles with US-derived creative writing methods. Their system is designed to be tailored to the particular needs of each student.
Situated in an upscale Gulshan building, they put great care into creating a warm environment, and staffing the centre with internationally-trained teachers who are passionate and driven to be masters of their craft.
“It’s just what you’d want for your kids: a comfortable setting, safe and clean, with bright colors … designed with child psychology in mind,” said parent Tasleema Alam. “And everyone is really accommodating.”
Monasa’s innovative approach is laser-focused on uncovering “learning gaps,” ie foundational concepts the students somehow missed along the way.
“Our assessment test is really the key,” said director and teacher Ambreen Lakhani Miraly. “It pinpoints exactly what areas they’re struggling with. And,” she is quick to add, “what they are really strong in.”
For example, if students are mediocre at addition, they may just memorise the multiplication table without fully grasping how it works. When the time comes to learn pre-algebra, they will be completely lost and demoralised – without knowing why.
“We have a student who, when she began with us, insisted that she ‘struggled at math.’ But now, after she ‘got what she didn’t get,’ she just flies through the problem sets. It was a complete attitude shift.”
Monasa provides a custom structured programme – along with motivation and non-judgmental support – to help students close their specific gaps and build their confidence.
“We try to find that ‘just right’ point,” said Mary O’Connor, CEO of the centre. “We don’t limit their learning. We encourage them and push them further.”
Monasa’s central Sky Miles Game aims to reframe the lessons in a fun, competitive way. Every student is called a pilot, and with each level of progress, he or she advances in their flight plan to another international city, with the support of their flight-director teachers. If the student needs to review a concept, he or she just travels back to the previous city. The final destination is Dhaka.
This travel game also works as a metaphor for the self-driven, exploratory, educational values Monasa seeks to inspire in its students.
“Instead of drilling them, we teach them to think independently, learn to assess their own progress,” said Ambreen. “The real prize is that you’ve accomplished your goal.”
Monasa also hosts many recreational events to create a sense of community, and encourage students to associate the centre with fun as well as learning, Mary said. “That’s why we do free events, open for anyone and everyone to attend. For Halloween we had a pumpkin carving party, which the kids really enjoyed.”
Mary and Ambreen are professional educators and longtime friends. After gathering the qualifications and experience, they are excited to make their dream a reality. They have been developing plans for an educational centre like Monasa for more than five years, ever since they met while teaching English in Thailand.
Ambreen holds a masters degree in education from the University of Sydney, Australia, and Mary hold a masters in textual and visual studies from Trinity University, Ireland, where she also served as a director on the university board. Ambreen is currently a board member at the Aga Khan School.
Monasa Learing Centre is located at Rd 32, Hs 6/B, Gulshan 2.
