Want to learn something? Try the Knowledge Shop of Atlanta

“In Sanskrit, the root for the name Trushar means ‘thirsty.’ I have always loved to read and [have] been thirsty for knowledge,” Mody said. “I wanted to open a center that would serve people who are also thirsty for knowledge.”

Before the recession, Mody offered more than 400 classes, including courses in business, computer training, finance, marketing, communication, motivation, fun and leisure.

“People have much less discretionary income at the moment, so we’re not offering the popular hobby classes we once did, like belly dancing,” Mody said. “Most of our students these days are looking to update their professional skills and advance their careers.”

Because classes at the Knowledge Shop of Atlanta are not for credits, there are no entrance requirements or prerequisites.

“[Students] don’t have to commit to a long-term program. They can just take the classes they need,” Mody said.

Most classes are offered at night or on weekends and are geared toward adult learners, but all ages are welcome.

“We’ve had 13-year-olds go through our speed-reading class in order to do better in school and 70-year-olds who took our introduction to the computer classes,” Mody said.

Students have come to the Knowledge Shop of Atlanta to learn about subjects as diverse as gun safety, anger management, Microsoft office programs, computer graphics and website design. An introductory class in voice-overs helps students decide if they’re cut out for a broadcasting career.

“Instead of enrolling in a costly broadcasting program, they can take our $69 class, which is taught by an insider in the industry, to learn about the skills and personality needed for the field as well as the job opportunities,” Mody said.

Most classes range in cost from $60 to $80.

Mody enlists local experts to teach classes and provide customized training for companies and organizations. A two-day class ($199) that prepares students to become licensed process servers is taught by a former federal agent. The speed-reading classes are taught by Howard Berg, considered the world’s fastest reader, according to 1990 Guinness Book of World Records. A certified federal job search trainer teaches the “10 Steps to a Federal Job” course.

“All of our education is provided by live instructors who give hands-on training. The classes are small — generally four to eight people — so that students receive a lot of individual attention,” Mody said.

For information, call 678-766-6666 or go to www.KSAtlanta.com.

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