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Our Story GrowthEdX

At GrowthEdX, we believe

That every young person deserves a head start on their personal, academic, and career journey.

Founded with a vision to empower youth aged 6 to 25, we specialize in providing tailored learning pathways—from early skill-building to advanced internships and career-focused training.

Our mission is to equip the next generation with practical experience, global exposure, and essential soft skills that prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s world.

By collaborating with leading companies, educational consultants, and schools worldwide, GrowthEdX creates meaningful, real-world experiences that inspire confidence, independence, and innovation.

Whether it’s foundational skill development for younger learners, short-term internships for teenagers, or leadership and career coaching for young adults, GrowthEdX is dedicated to unlocking potential, building networks, and helping learners turn their ambitions into reality.

Why Internships Matter

Internships provide young people with an early opportunity to explore industries, develop workplace skills, and gain a sense of independence.

Even in just 1–2 weeks, students learn time management, teamwork, and problem-solving while contributing to real projects.

These experiences help them build confidence, discover career interests, and strengthen their CVs and university applications.

Experience different teaching styles and professional practices.

Gain exposure to global standards in education and work.

Build resilience and independence while navigating new cultures.

Develop cultural intelligence, a key skill in today’s interconnected world.

How Edu Tours Build Global Understanding

Edu Tours are more than just study trips. They give students first-hand insight into how international universities operate—through campus visits, workshops, and interactions with faculty and students. Participants see what life is like at world-class institutions, which helps them make more informed decisions about higher education pathways.

In addition, Edu Tours immerse students in cultural experiences, teaching them how history, tradition, and diversity shape perspectives. These tours encourage networking, relationship-building, and an appreciation of how cultural context influences education and careers.

01

Supporting Parents Every Step of the Way

At GrowthEdX, we understand that parents play a central role in a young learner’s journey. That’s why we keep parents involved at every stage, from programme selection and preparation to travel updates and post-programme feedback.

We provide dedicated consultations to both parents and prospective students, ensuring clarity, transparency, and confidence in the process. This partnership approach allows families to make informed choices and feel reassured that their child is supported, safe, and gaining maximum value from the experience.

02

Peer Building & Relationship Management

One of the most valuable aspects of internships and Edu Tours is the opportunity for students to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds. Working and learning alongside others helps them develop teamwork, communication, and relationship management skills.

These interactions not only broaden their perspectives but also foster lifelong friendships and networks that support personal and professional growth.

03

Exposure to Independence & Emotional Intelligence

Navigating new environments—whether through a voluntary internship or international travel—gives students the chance to practice independence in a safe and structured setting.

Making decisions, managing schedules, and adapting to different cultural contexts strengthens their emotional intelligence by teaching resilience, empathy, and adaptability.

Impact on Personal Development

These experiences collectively shape students beyond academics. By stepping outside their comfort zones, they:

01

Build confidence through achievement and problem-solving.

02

Expand their vocabulary and communication skills through real-world interactions.

03

Enhance self-awareness and cultural understanding, vital for thriving in global education and careers.

04

Strengthen leadership and collaboration abilities in group settings.

Our Team

Anaaya Sidhu
Dr. Ria Sidhu
Janaksinh Jhala
Jacky Rawlinson
Oluwasewgun Akinola Olaniregun
Gurpreet Sidhu
Mamta Bhatia
Anaaya Sidhu
CEO

Anaaya Sidhu is the young CEO of GrowthEdX, a forward-thinking platform transforming internships and training for the next generation.

As a student herself, Anaaya brings a rare and authentic perspective to leadership — she understands first-hand what students need to succeed in an ever-evolving world of work.

Her vision for GrowthEdX is to bridge the gap between education and employability through innovative, student-led initiatives.

Currently, Anaaya is pursuing a BA (Hons) in International Relations with Business at Queen Mary University of London, where she combines her passion for global affairs with entrepreneurial insight.

In addition to her studies, she serves as Deputy Director at Model United Nations (MUN), a role that has strengthened her skills in diplomacy, critical thinking, and leadership.

Through GrowthEdX, Anaaya champions youth empowerment, practical learning, and global collaboration — ensuring that students are not just prepared for the future, but equipped to shape it.

Dr. Ria Sidhu
Honorary Strategic Lead

SFHEA, CMBE, CMgr MCMI

As Honorary Strategic Lead at GrowthEdX, Dr. Ria Gurpreet Sidhu brings a wealth of international experience shaped by years of working with a diverse cohort of students from across the globe.

She has supported and mentored learners from India, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Nepal, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Kenya, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom, among many others.

Her intercultural expertise allows her to understand the varied educational expectations, cultural values, and career aspirations of international students.

Dr. Sidhu’s strategic approach focuses on developing inclusive academic pathways that recognise cultural diversity and promote equitable opportunities for learners worldwide.

Through her work, she has strengthened global student engagement, enhanced learning outcomes, and fostered international collaboration in higher education.

Janaksinh Jhala
Governing Board Member

Janaksinh Jhala is an entrepreneur, community leader, and property investor with extensive experience in business, finance, and youth engagement. He is the President of the Rajput Samaj of UK, where he actively promotes cultural, educational, and sporting initiatives within the community.

With a strong background in property investment, real estate, and commercial finance, Janaksinh also serves as the founder of multiple successful ventures in the UK and Dubai, including finance, real estate brokerage, and development companies.

Beyond business, Janaksinh is deeply committed to youth development. As the first-team captain of the Rajput Samaj Sports Club, he has mentored and inspired young players to excel both on and off the field, encouraging teamwork, leadership, and discipline.

He brings to the Governing Board his rich experience in leadership, organizational development, and international community engagement. His passion for supporting the next generation makes him an invaluable addition to the International Kids Podcast Competition, helping to guide its vision of empowering children’s voices worldwide.

Jacky Rawlinson
Freelancer Tutor

Before joining Buckinghamshire New University in 2023, I had a varied professional background, in marketing, both 3D and Digital. In 2017, my career changed direction towards Learning Management Systems, Digital Learning, and course content creation, which allowed for a natural move into lecturing. I first worked in apprenticeships in 2001 as an assessor and IQA, and have seen the developments in apprenticeships since 2017, when apprenticeships moved to the new standards, which is when I moved into Higher Education.

My course leader responsibilities are for the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship and Senior Leader Apprenticeship with top-up MBA. I teach on modules across the Buckinghamshire University Business School portfolio, including; International MBA and Business Admin Degree. I deliver on all modules with a focus on work-based learning utilising learner expertise to ensure collaboration and group work to further develop understanding across levels and subjects.

I completed PG Certificate in Education in 2001 and D32/D33 Assessor qualifications in 2000, this enabled me to assess apprenticeships. I also completed the D34 Internal Verifier Award in 2002. I was granted fellowship of the CIM in 2017 on completion of a Level 7 post graduate diploma in Digital Marketing and went on to complete an MSC in Marketing. I have also completed Level 7 qualifications with the Chartered Institute of Personal Development with a specialism in L & D, which has given me the status of MCIPD. I also completed a Professional Diploma in Digital Learning Design from Glasgow Caledonian University. I am a Master Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and in 2024 achieved the Mental Health First Aid Certificate.

I am fully committed to CPD and continue to set new targets; I am currently working towards completion of my PHD.

Oluwasewgun Akinola Olaniregun
Freelance Tutor

Olu is a chartered Accountant by profession, with many years of Business and Industry experience in teaching and assessing Business, Management, Marketing and Accounting Modules.

I hold two master’s degree qualifications from London South Bank University and Lagos State University, Nigeria respectively and two first degrees from Nigeria.

I am a member of Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy –UK (CIPFA), Fellow Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), Chartered Institute of Taxation Nigeria (FCITN) and member of Management Chartered Institute (CMI)- UK.

Others are Student part qualifications of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants- UK (ACCA) and Intermediate Certificate of Chartered Institute of Marketing – UK. (CIM).

Gurpreet Sidhu
Global Business Lead

Gurpreet Sidhu is the Global Business Lead at GrowthEdX, where he drives strategic growth and oversees international partnerships, training collaborations, and market expansion initiatives.

With extensive experience in student recruitment and business development within the UK higher education sector, Gurpreet has played a pivotal role in building and managing global recruitment networks for a leading private higher education brand.

His expertise spans international education markets, strategic partnerships, and enrolment management, with a strong focus on delivering sustainable growth and impactful learner outcomes. At GrowthEdX, Gurpreet leads the company’s global business strategy, forging partnerships with universities, training providers, and employers to connect education with real-world employability opportunities.

He is passionate about empowering learners and institutions through innovation, collaboration, and global engagement, ensuring GrowthEdX remains at the forefront of education and skills development worldwide.

Mamta Bhatia
Guest Associate

Mamta Bhatia is a Strategic Marketing Professional Expert, spearheading the Marketing and Communications practice at Dassault Systèmes for Global Services. She holds a Master’s in Management Studies from Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai, and a degree in Electronics Engineering from Vivekanand Education Society’s Institute of Technology, also in Mumbai.

Before joining Dassault Systèmes, Mamta spent six years at Infosys as an Oracle Consultant, eventually leading teams in Account Based Marketing and Lead Generation Marketing.

At Dassault Systèmes, Mamta built the marketing team for services in India from the ground up. Initially a “single women army,” she managed all facets of marketing, including corporate communications, B2B marketing, digital marketing, social media, content creation, internal communications, and event management for global services6. Within 2 years, she established a team and is now leading a strategic shift in sales and marketing as a Value Advisor/Value Driver.

Outside of her professional life, Mamta has a wide social circle and has practiced dance for over 20 years, with expertise in Free Style, Jazz, Salsa, and now Kathak. She is a mother to a very beautiful 4 year old and enjoys spending every bit of her free time with her daughter, a glimpse of it can be seen on the captured videos on her social media.

Mamta strongly believes that “All the world needs is a touch of humanity for it to thrive” and strives constantly towards it and raising her daughter to that effect.