Umair Malik says he was inspired to open his new tutoring business by his father.
His father owns a driving school in Oak Ridges, and Malik from an early age wanted to follow in his footsteps, combining business with his love of teaching.
“He teaches people how to drive, I teach people how to do well in math and language,” said Malik.
Malik, 29, has been tutoring other students since he himself was in high school. Now, after more than a decade of tutoring, he has opened the Equation Hub in the St. Andrew's Shopping Centre.
He has his hands full, running the tutoring business along with his wife, Raghad Ullah, as well as working as a kindergarten teacher at Maple Leaf Public School in Newmarket.
The days are busy, with Malik working at the school before coming to the Equation Hub and tutoring students from kindergarten to Grade 12 until 8 p.m.
“It is hard, to be honest, it is hard, because of course, that's my priority in my job. Giving everything there, 110 per cent there, then I come here, give my 110 per cent here, then I got a family to go to give my 110 per cent there,” he said.
“Nowadays, you need more than just one income in a family, because surviving off what I get paid as a teacher, I don't think it's enough to even live off rent.”
The hub offers tutoring services in math, literacy and French, with Malik working alongside another pair of tutors to offer their services.
Malik said the aim is to offer tutoring services to as many people as possible, regardless of their financial circumstances. The hub offers free drop-in tutoring sessions on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., to help ensure access to tutoring for students who may not be able to afford extra help.
His business is also open to students outside of their tutoring sessions, with a computer lab available for use for students who may not own computers. Malik said he grew up without a computer and would have to write homework assignments in the public library, adding he wants his business to act as another community space for those who may need it.
The Equation Hub is in the St. Andrew's Shopping Centre, at 2 Orchard Heights Blvd., unit 31, in Aurora. More information about its programs can be found online.
