Those who stay away from Mathematics as a ‘subject that causes nervous breakdown’ or as ‘a headache,’ should pay a visit to Yogi Institute located on 89 Great South Road, close to Hunters Corner.
Since opening its second branch last year, the Institute, which operates more classes from its Mt Roskill venue, has instilled confidence and courage among youngsters in South Auckland.
The Institute’s Principal and Director Yogendra Advaryu, popularly known as ‘Mr Yogi, tells his prospective students that they should overcome pre-conceived notions about the subject.
“Mathematics is neither a fearsome nor a despicable subject. It needs concentration, regular practice and of course ‘respect and attention.’ This is the only subject which provides opportunities for students to score maximum marks,” he would say.
“You love mathematics and mathematics will love you and thereafter you would enjoy its company.”
His love and admiration for mathematics saw him graduate in the subject and become its teacher at a popular school in his native Gujarat (Ahmedabad) for more than 20 years, in South Africa (Johannesburg) for three years and in New Zealand since 2002.
From a couple of students taught in their homes more than ten years ago, Yogi Institute today boasts of hundreds of students attending weekly classes between 530 pm and 7 pm and from 7 pm to 830 pm at its Mt Roskill premises.
As well as teaching mathematics to students from Year 7 to Year 13 (including NCEA Levels one to three), Mr Yogi teaches Science to Year 10 and 11 students (NCEA 1) and Physics, Chemistry and Biology to Year 12 and 13 students (NCEA 2 and 3).
Each batch is restricted to about 15 or 20 students to enable Yogi to devote personal attention and each student takes home substantial homework.
Social obligation
“I have an obligation not only to my students but also to their parents. I am aware that they attend the Institute because of its reputation for quality teaching and quality learning. I am happy and proud that my students are doing well in their career after obtaining their university degrees, while those attending tertiary institutions can look forward to a bright future,” he said.
Mr Yogi said he decided to open the Papatoetoe branch following rising demand from students residing in this region.
“South Auckland in general and Papatoetoe in particular has a growing population of Indian and other ethnic communities. Yogi Institute will prove to be a great boon to students living in this area,” he said.
Hundreds of students have benefited from Mr Yogi’s ‘magical style’ of teaching, performed well in mathematics and have set their sights on scholastic success, leading to progressive careers.
Many are currently pursuing engineering, medicine, computer sciences and similar ‘calculative’ subjects that will help them become successful professionals.
They said the method of teaching made Mathematics an easy subject.
The Papatoetoe branch is open on Saturdays from 9 am to 9 pm and on Sundays from 3 pm to 9 pm.
