Education franchising in South Africa has grown increasingly popular in recent years. Brands such as Young Entrepreneurs, Kumon, Sherpa Kids, Creative Minds Computer Training and Accelium EDU have achieved success by capitalising on the demand for education, turning it into a business model capable of being franchised.
Education franchising has proven to be a viable business, and an important and growing sector of the South African social and economic landscape. The need for education is a concrete, stable necessity in modern society – children will always need to be educated. As a result, it may be easier to get financial assistance for an education franchise (although many franchises offer financial assistance, either directly or through a third party). The country’s most recent survey (2011) found that almost 40% of South Africa’s population is under 18 years old. This large youth populace provides a readymade market for education franchises.
The foundation levels of learning that many education franchises target (approximately three to eight years old) are crucial to a child’s development and future success. Important concepts such as maths, literacy and critical reasoning should be introduced at an early age, and educational franchising programmes supplement children’s primary education through after-school classes or clubs. South African parents are seeking to provide their children with skills that will make them more employable.
The popularity of education franchises in South Africa may be linked to the country’s complicated relationship with formal education. The dropout numbers at secondary school level are high, and while overall enrolment in higher education/third level study has more than doubled since the end of the apartheid system in South Africa in 1994, there is still a high dropout rate for tertiary education also; enrolment in universities or other tertiary education was as low as 19.4% in recent years. Only half of those that are initially enrolled go on to graduate. This high level of dropout and lack of engagement with education might be lowered if a love for learning and a strong participation in education was fostered from an early age. Extra-curricular activities can enhance children’s and teenagers' educational prospects and overall learning experience.
Education franchising is the perfect platform for those who are enthusiastic and passionate about education and teaching, but it is also a solid model for those who simply wish to run a viable business, with little or no experience in education. Educational franchises allow franchisees to work flexible hours, perfect for working parents, with constant support, training and guidance, all while servicing their community. Education franchises can run alongside the school term and during holidays, meaning your business can be in demand all year.