DAMMAM — Human brain can compute faster than a computer or a calculator. This dictum was virtually proved at one of the Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System (UCMAS) in Dammam by children ranging between 4 to 12 years who could calculate a row of a dozen double-digit numbers in various values faster than a calculator. The three pages question and answer sheet with assorted questions of addition, subtraction and multiplication were answered in less than eight minutes. The whole exercise was a marvel to watch. The budding mathematic wizards' fingers were synchronized with their mind. It was like a convulsive state — void of outer word and engrossed in the labyrinth of numbers. It was absolutely a mesmerizing sight reflecting the ultimate height of human mind. UCMAS is a unique concept based on Chinese system of abacus for computation. "The whole idea is to train human mind to think logically and in symmetry," said Samina Mazher, program director of UCMAS in Jubail and Dammam. She can well be called a pioneer in this unique science in Saudi Arabia. Its origin could be traced in Malaysia where it is headquartered. It has granted accreditation to institutes around the world and Jubail and Dammam institute is one among them. UCMAS-Saudi Arabia is a professional organization, equipped to manage and enhance student performance level, in all round academics. It is a unique and a scientifically proven concept that has helped millions of children in various countries all over the world. This method is an internationally well renowned powerful mental development program for children aged 4-12 years to develop their latent mental power at an early stage. UCMAS institutes around the globe use an ancient tool called "abacus", originated in China, to teach them calculation, where they use both hands to manipulate beads, initially with abacus to work out problems and later on the abacus is taken away. And the children perform the manipulation of beads mentally and calculate fast and accurate. This method of study is derived from "Zhusuan Methodology" - a technique of coordination of brain and body developed in China . Even though it is a very ancient concept it has been well conceptualized, restructured and thought process had been made simple to suit the present day curriculum of students. The UCMAS is essentially run from a school campus in Jubail as well as Dammam, which is rented by UCMAS management. In addition to program director Samina Mazhar there are several teachers assisting Samina in her endeavor that she says is not just a profession but her passion. UCMAS -Abacus Academy is located in many cities of Saudi Arabia like Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Al-Khobar, Dammam and Jubail. They have Arabic and Indian sections. It is recognized worldwide as a professional organization and is well equipped with the facilities to train the students and develop their mental skills. Samina Mazher, program director in the Eastern Province, said she started this center with the hope of contributing in the mental growth of young minds. Mostly her students, both boys and girls, are Indians. She is overwhelmed with the kind of changes she has seen in the students from the day they join to the final day. They become very sharp and focused. "With abacus once the skill is developed it remains forever. Our contribution is in channelizing their mind in the right direction," she said. Explaining her methodology, she said, in the initial stage trained staff teach new entrants calculations by the use of both hands to manipulate beads on abacus. Moving to higher levels the students give up the use of abacus and then it is their mind and fast-paced fingers that virtually compute a budget of a large corporate within minutes. The students of UC MAS Abacus center, both in Dammam and Jubail, always participated in the international competition held every year in Malaysia and always came back with laurels. This year in December, UCMAS International Competition was held in New Delhi, in which 18 students from Saudi Arabia UCMAS-Abacus Dammam /Jubail Center participated and won 18 trophies in all categories. The winners included S. V. Dharun, S. V. Sutharshan, B. S. Kavvya, Nandana, Vaibhav, Om Bhushan, Vishnu, Shlok, Ajmal, Abhirami, Vaisakh, Shebin, Huzaiffa, Prashant, Arjun, Sumaiya, Himani and Ummeayman. Farida Taher Attar, who assists Samina in her project and accompanied students to New Delhi competition, said the zeal and vigor of students were astonishing. It was their pure determination that resulted in our excellent performance in the competition.
