The founder of the well-known Kumon Centers, the late TORU KUMON,
was a Japanese high school math teacher who wanted to improve
his son’s math. The effective method he created in the 1950s,
which emphasizes individualized learning and repetition, quickly drew the
interest of parents worldwide. “It was in 1996 when KUMON PHILIPPINES
was established to franchise to qualified applicants,” says LAWRENCE
LAURETA, Communication Support Group Leader.
Lawrence notes that people at first weren’t accustomed to Kumon’s
individualized learning, or thought it was a tutorial program for the
academically-challenged. (Kumon focuses on Math and Reading programs
that are tailor-fit to suit the student’s ability.) “It’s more a supplementary
education intended to empower a student to be better,” he clarifies. “Our
students are living proof of the effectiveness—as families witness their
success firsthand, our credibility quickly spreads via word-of-mouth,” says
Lawrence. “In our 10 years in the Philippines, we’ve started seeing our
impact on society.”
Before a Kumon franchise is granted, instructors are required to
undergo orientation, tests, interviews, and
training. They must also secure a suitable location
in a commercial area that’s both accessible and
secure, submit a franchise agreement, and pay
a franchise fee of 16,800 per subject (Math
and Reading). Another 500,000 to 1 million is then spent towards commercial space,
facilities and furniture, and manpower. “Because the business provides services more than
products,” explains Lawrence, “we should invest highly in training our people—especially
this being the education industry.”
“We currently have over 180 Kumon Centers nationwide. The return-on-investment
varies, but generally can be achieved after about six months,” says Lawrence. “At the end
of the day, the profit isn’t gauged by monetary value, but by how we have reached and
changed the lives of the children.”
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