PRIVATE EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS ARE ALWAYS A SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR THE MAINSTREAM EDUCATION SYSTEM: ARCHANA MARCHENT
Archana Merchant, CEO- of Aspire Education Academy is paving the career path for those who are looking for an alternative education system. Aspire Education Academy has been a multidisciplinary training, consultancy, and learning center based in the UAE for the last several years enhancing the student experience and career development with advanced training programs. Team Trade Fair Arabia reached Archana to learn the insights and trends in Private education institutions.
Q : Can you brief our readers about the Aspire Education Academy? What courses you are offering in the Middle East market
Archana Merchant : Aspire Education Academy is a well established multidisciplinary training, consultancy, and learning center located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With years of experience, the academy focuses on enhancing the student experience and facilitating career development through advanced training programs. The primary objective of Aspire Education is to deliver exceptional training courses and empower corporate professionals and educators to develop the knowledge and skills needed for success.
The academy is committed to creating engaging and career-oriented learning experiences. As an authorized and internationally accredited training institute in the UAE, Aspire Education provides accredited qualifications to its students. Their training programs cater to professionals across various sectors, including educators, managers, administrative personnel, school leaders, and employees.
One of the distinctive features of Aspire Education is its customized training programs tailored to meet the specific needs of businesses, institutions, schools, and universities. The academy has established partnerships with reputable educational institutions and certifying bodies from different countries, ensuring the quality and recognition of its training courses.
Aspire Education Academy is a prestigious institution providing a range of courses in the Middle East market. Collaborating with esteemed European, Indian, and UK universities, the academy offers top-notch training in various fields. Here are some of the courses offered: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Master of Education (M.Ed), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master & Bachlor in Psychology, IT and Data Science, Business Administration (BBA), UK certified Business and IT Diplomas, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Honorary Doctorate, Practitioner’s Doctorate & Professional Doctorate.
Q : As per your data, which course is high in demand in Middle East market
Archana Merchant : As per my data, courses related to Information Technology (IT) and Data Science are generally in high demand in the Middle East market. The region has been experiencing significant growth in its technology sector, with an increasing need for skilled professionals in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analysis.
Additionally, courses in Business Administration, especially Master of Business Administration (MBA), remain popular due to the Middle East’s dynamic business environment and the demand for qualified professionals to lead and manage organizations effectively. B.Ed and M.Ed are also popular courses among the teaching fraternity.
Q : When we are talking about any private institute, govt. approvals, accreditation, and equivalency is always a challenge, how to aspire is helping its students in this regard
Archana Merchant : Aspire aims to address the challenge of obtaining government approvals, accreditation, and equivalency for its students by taking several proactive measures: Aspire ensures that its programs and operations comply with relevant government regulations and educational standards. This includes meeting requirements set by local education authorities for accreditation. Aspire maintains high standards of quality in its educational offerings, faculty qualifications, and support services. By providing a rigorous academic environment, Aspire aims to demonstrate its commitment to excellence and meet the criteria for accreditation. Aspire communicates openly and transparently with students about the accreditation status of its programs and the steps taken to obtain government approvals and equivalency. This helps students make informed decisions about their education and understand the value of their qualifications. Overall, Aspire strives to support its students in navigating the complexities of government approvals, accreditation, and equivalency by ensuring compliance with regulations, maintaining high standards of quality, establishing partnerships, transparent communication, and advocating for recognition of its programs.
Q : You are offering B.Ed. and M. ed. courses, now the Ministry of Education is implementing the license policy also. How do you see this step?
Archana Merchant : Implementing a licensing policy for B.Ed. courses by the Ministry of Education can have several positive implications: Licensing requirements can ensure that B.Ed. programs meet certain standards of quality and effectiveness, as set by the Ministry of Education. This can help improve the overall quality of teacher education and enhance the professionalism of educators. By requiring a license to teach, the Ministry of Education can contribute to the professionalization of the teaching profession. Teachers who have undergone approved B.Ed. programs and obtaining a teaching license may be perceived as more qualified and competent by employers, colleagues, and society. A licensing policy can also contribute to building public trust in the education system. Parents and students may have greater confidence in teachers who have undergone approved B.Ed. programs and hold a valid teaching license, knowing that they have met certain standards of training and competence.
Q : How many universities are associated with Aspire globally?
Archana Merchant : Aspire offers courses through esteemed institutions like European International University (EIU) in Paris, Sunrise University, and Chitkara University in India, as well as ATHE UK. This diverse collaboration ensures students access high-quality education with global recognition. Through these partnerships, Aspire provides a broad spectrum of courses spanning various disciplines, catering to diverse academic interests. Students benefit from the reputable standards, diverse curriculum, and industry connections facilitated by these esteemed institutions. Aspire’s commitment to partnering with renowned universities reflects its dedication to offering top[1]tier education and enhancing students’ academic and professional prospects.
Q : How many products have passed out from Aspire so far?
Archana Merchant : More than 1000 students have graduated from Aspire Education, while currently, over 500 students are actively enrolled in various programs. This demonstrates Aspire’s commitment to facilitating academic success and supporting students throughout their educational journey. With a growing alumni network and ongoing enrollment, Aspire continues to make a significant impact in shaping future leaders and professionals.
Q : After the covid, we have seen a major shift towards online education, how you are seeing this trend, good or bad for institutes like aspire
Archana Merchant : Aspire Education Academy is well[1]positioned to benefit from the online education boom. Our existing virtual interactive sessions cater perfectly to the trend of engaging online learning. This allows us to expand reach and attract students who prefer flexibility. To thrive, Aspire Education Academy has leveraged its experience to create high[1]quality virtual programs while emphasizing its unique value proposition, like personalized learning or industry connections.
Q : What provision do you have for hands-on training for your students during the courses?
Archana Merchant : Aspire’s virtual interactive sessions can be a strong asset for micro[1]teaching within their teacher training courses. Micro-teaching is designed for practicing specific teaching skills in a controlled environment. Virtual sessions allow for focused practice with smaller student groups, ideal for micro-teaching. The virtual environment can be used to create simulated classrooms with preprogrammed students or actors. This provides a safe space for trainees Virtual sessions can be easily recorded, allowing for self reflection and instructor feedback. Trainees can analyze their teaching and identify areas for improvement. To practice without real-world pressures. Placement Assistance is provided to students during the program to have hands[1]on exposure once trained.
Q : You got the award of Leader in Women’s Education Global Award 2024 and in your message, your inspiration is Malala Yousafzai. This month we have International Women’s day also, your views and efforts for women’s education.
Archana Merchant : This recognition is incredibly humbling. It’s not just about me, though. This award is a tribute to the tireless efforts of educators, advocates, and champions around the world who fight for every girl’s right to an education.
This month, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, the importance of girls’ education is even more profound. Malala Yousafzai’s unwavering courage in advocating for girls’ education, even in the face of danger, continues to inspire me deeply. Her story is a powerful reminder that education is the most potent weapon against inequality and injustice. It all stems from a simple belief: educating a girl educates a nation. When girls have access to education, they become leaders, innovators, and agents of change. They build stronger families, communities, and economies. The ripple effect is undeniable. This award is a call to action. It compels us to keep pushing boundaries, advocating relentlessly, and reminding the world that educating girls isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s the smartest investment we can make for a brighter future for all. Let’s continue this fight, together.