Financial Awareness Is Extremely Important For Women Today.

Ms. Fatima Agarkar - Co-founder of KA EduAssociates, an educational startup that aims to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical implementation, Fatima is all for incorporating current trends in global education. 

State and University topper, Fatima has a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from England, apart from her B.ED and ECCE and began her journey in the corporate world. She was adjudged Education World’s “Top 50 Young Educators” in 2014, and is also the recipient of several awards for outstanding contribution to education in 2013, 2015. The most recent being the Young Achiever’s Award in March 2017 that recognises women in different walks of life for innovative practices in their chosen field and being adjudged Education Pioneer by Asia’s most valued brands in March 2018. Commerzbank, Times of India and Egon Zender International as diverse organizations were the perfect foundation before she was involved in the set up of three premier K-12 national and international schools in Mumbai. 

Having gathered tremendous experience as a result of managing 25 national and international schools including pre-schools and a school for children with learning difficulties, with which she has been associated with, Fatima now aims to create more opportunities for stakeholders in the education space with a passion for teacher training, special needs and sports. Pioneering, “out of box” and a risk taker, Fatima’s love for children defines her passion for the team she leads. Fatima is also the Vice President for the Early Childhood Association in India, a forum for the network of pre-schools in India; Advisory Board Member of Lit O Fest – Mumbai Chapter, a literary arts festival bringing young writers together and Wockhardt Foundation. 

She is a woman who believes that a child's dream shouldn't be aligned with parent's ambition. We hope that you will enjoy reading her journey ! 

 

What is KA EDU ASSOCIATES all about ?

 Education today is much more than a child attending school, and keeping track of her/his academic routine. It involves a wholesome gamut of activities that often involve training of teachers and also training and educating parents to keep up with the developmental milestones of their children. 

It’s all about child-centric solutions not limited to any curricula, but focussed on quality training with international standards. 

Mumbai-based educational management startup KA EduAssociates, aims to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical implementation, by incorporating current trends in global education. 

While we got started on our vision with teacher training as an absolute area of passion have faced the challenges as Trustee, and with the start up experience amassed in setting up schools, KA branched out into consultancy as well, we later added curriculum design, school audits, parenting and student workshops. I am happy to say that all verticals are going well and we evolved as any new start up, adding new areas of growth as we gained experience. 

So our strength is to remain ahead of the curve. Unlike other startups, we went top-heavy with manpower, put together a large team and that’s how we were able to branch out to other markets quickly. More hands are always an advantage. A bit heavy on the pocket but you cannot think small and be conservative when you are a startup. 

The company’s portfolio includes consulting services for preschools and high schools, school audits, curriculum design, teacher education, parenting workshops, and student workshops. The company’s model includes a combination of in-house and outsourced team of facilitators including global teachers. The online facilitation, web and airs etc., also make the reach more widespread. 

Our USP lies in out-of-box thinking and the ability to evolve and innovate. Speed of action and passion for what we do makes us aggressive. Also, each of us in the team have taught, headed institutes, and managed it from a buyer’s side, so we know the business well. 

KA EduAssociates has its presence in 30 cities, has skilled close to 500 teachers as part of face-to-face courses as well as  online and, importantly, helps promoters set up close to 10 schools in a short span of 18 months. 

 

“So, this is what Ka EduAssociates is all about – A 360 degree Educational organisation.” 

 

What obstacles did you faced in your entire journey ? 

Like any other startup , seed capital and then the growth phase. People need to be convinced that the gap exists and you are capable enough to fulfil it. 

 

How do you manage your personal and professional life ? 

I am blessed to have a supporting husband, supporting parents and in-laws enabling me time at work, and also personal space. Most of all my son, completely gets my passion for what I do, and have grown up to be an independent and supportive 12 year each time I have to travel and cannot make for an important event in his life. 

 

What advice do you have for young women entrepreneurs who have just started up ? 

I feel that to start up any business, passion has to be there but identifying the gap and then hitting the nail is much more of importance. So evaluate, plan and be passionate about one vertical. Be aware of your market and have plan A,B & C – contingencies work beautifully. Also, patience and adjusting strategies as you go along. Have learnt from our team of advisors as well. Ultimately, the client journey teaches you everything. You have to be open-minded. 

 

Do you have financial knowledge and do you feel that women should be financially independent ? 

When it comes to managing finances, I have always enjoyed dealing with investment advisors. But ultimately, you have to know your risk appetite and what your journey is as a family. Both partners contributing makes it more complete. 

Yes, 1000 percent, women should be financially independent. There is no excuse if women say that since they don't like maths, they do not understand finance. You need to have investments, SIPs , savings – A portfolio where you grow your money. 

I worry when women say that it is managed by the men of the house. If you are earning, it is such a feeling of being liberated and contributing makes you an equal partner. It isn’t quantum of money, it is about participation. 

 

“Hence, I would say financial awareness is extremely important for women today.” 

 

 

SUCCESS MANTRA 

My success mantra is that I have worked hard all through my life and I always had a Plan B. And for any initiation that I did.