Mental Arithmetic Exercises by UCMAS Students Enthrall Listeners of KPFK Radio

‘The Courtyard’ radio program featured UCMAS USA on the program on Saturday, January 14th, 2006. The show is aired nationally and streamed on the web.

Sunnyvale, CA (PRWEB) January 22, 2006 -- UCMAS USA was featured on ‘The Courtyard’ radio program, which is produced by LabaLaba Media and broadcast in New York, Los Angeles, Berkeley, Washington DC, Houston and Santa Barbara areas by the Pacifica Radio Network. The live show was even available on the web using streaming media (MP3, Real Audio, or Windows Media) by following the link for live radio on the stations' websites. This program was an excellent eye opener for parents, teachers, educators, and students making them aware of the benefits of the UCMAS program.

The show's executive producer and writer is Debo Kotun. Debo Kotun emigrated to the U.S. in 1971 and studied at Johns Hopkins University, Yale, and the New School for Social Research. Abiku, his first novel, won the phi Kappa phi Award for fiction at the University of Southern California where he studied at the Master of Professional Writing Program. Kotun has written several screenplays and has just completed Dada, the first sequel to Abiku. He has written 22 of 26 episodes of the Courtyard. He is currently a script consultant for Nickelodeon Children's Animation Television Programs: Dora the Explorer, and Go, Diego, Go.

Pacifica Foundation is the non-profit parent of Pacifica Radio Network and comprises of:
KPFA (94.1 FM in Berkeley)
KPFK (90.7 FM in Los Angeles, 98.7 FM in Santa Barbara)
KPFT (90.1 FM in Houston)
WBAI (99.5 FM in New York)
WPFW (89.3 FM in Washington DC)

The show featured Jasmine and Gabby, two UCMAS students from Hancock Park Elementary School who have just completed their 1st term, Rishav in Jacksonville, FL, a student who has completed his 8th term (Advanced), and Sammie in Rego Park, New York, who has completed 6 terms. Rishav and Sammie also demonstrated their mental arithmetic skills live on the show. This acquired skill has been the result of training and practicing the UCMAS taught Abacus and Mental Arithmetic system. The guests on the show also include Zuriani Zonneveld, Los Angeles franchisee for UCMAS, Seema Vaidya, UCMAS Instructor from New York and Chetan Uttarkar, VP, Marketing & Franchising for UCMAS USA.

The UCMAS Mental Arithmetic concept was developed by Mr. Wong Hoon Wan in Malaysia, who formed the Academy of Universal Concept Mental Arithmetic System (UCMAS) in 1993. This concept is based on Zhusuan Methodology, a technique of performing mathematical calculations that originated in China several thousand years ago. Under the UCMAS Mental Arithmetic concept, students initially learn to use an abacus to perform mathematical functions. The student’s then progress to perform mental arithmetic (without the use of any instruments) by mentally visualizing the mathematical functions performed on an imaginary abacus. This method teaches and strengthens a student’s understanding of basic mathematical functions, and improves general concentration skills. It is also believed to improve the overall development of the student’s brain – especially the right side of the brain – during the critical development period between ages 4 and 12. The UCMAS Mental Arithmetic concept has expanded and successfully practiced in 28 countries worldwide.

"I heard about your program this past weekend in LA on KPFK. I was very impressed with the children whose amazing capabilities you demonstrated." - Phil

UCMAS USA LLC is an Alabama limited liability company in the business of granting franchises for UCMAS Centers, and providing initial and on-going support to franchisees. UCMAS USA was formed on May 17, 2004. The principal business address is 130 Main Road, Huntsville, Alabama 35811. UCMAS began offering franchises in September 2004. There are centers currently operating in Los Angeles (CA), Rego Park (New York), McAllen (Texas), and Sunnyvale (CA). There will be centers opening in New Jersey, Minnesota, Florida, Atlanta, and other areas in 2006.

For more information on UCMAS visit the UCMAS USA website www.ucmasusa.com
For more information on the radio show visit LabaLaba Media www.labalabamedia.com

For additional information (Schedules, Franchising, Training, Demos, or Brochures) contact:
Chetan Uttarkar
VP, Marketing & Franchising
UCMAS USA LLC
520 Lawrence Expwy, Suite 300
Sunnyvale CA 94086
1.888.UCMAS.01
http://www.ucmasusa.com

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