Become a part of this unique educational franchise that fosters a love for the English language, spelling and reading.
What are the benefits?
- An exclusive, well established concept
- Owner operated – work from home
- Flexible working hours
- Low start up costs
- Tremendous growth potential
- Set royalty fee, irrespective of income
- Website with Kids' Zone
- Parent satisfaction guarantee
Active English promotes intellectual, social and cultural development by using the English language as an extra-mural activity.
It fosters a love for language, reading and the Arts, using integrated methods to enrich the concepts of oral communication,
literature study and written communication. The programme is aimed at 3 to 12-year-olds.
Prospective franchisees should be organised, resilient and prepared to continually adapt and absorb new ideas and methods. This is a work-from-home business opportunity.
The franchise package costs start at R60 000 for pre-schoolers, R60 000 for Grade 1-3 and R30 000 for Grade 4-7.
A full franchise costs R150 000. This includes thorough training, continued support and all teaching material etc.
There is also a royalty fee of R700 per month for the first year of operation; thereafter it is set at R1500 per month increasing at 10% per annum for a period of four years.
Antoinette Slabbert launched the Active English franchise in Vereeniging and has recently been recognised by the Franchise Association of South Africa (Fasa) as one of the industry's top entrepreneurs.
Fin24.com chatted to Slabbert to find out how she overcame the difficulties of launching her brand outside a big city environment.
Fin24.com: Tell us a bit about your history.
It all started in 1993: I studied with Montessori and then set about creating and writing an educational programme that was academically sound but, above all, fun. My aim was for children to attend lessons
because they wanted to, and not because they had to. My friends heard about this and soon I was teaching about 10 pre-schoolers. Two years later there were 165 students.
In 2003 the franchising wheels were set in motion. Today there are 10 franchisees and one tutoring agent. I still manage to teach 153 children a week and my assistant tutors visit nursery schools and teach 90 children each week.
Fin24.com: What has been your greatest business achievement to date? Why does it stand out for you?
My greatest business achievement has been the award I received from FASA recently. As one of the three finalists it was a great honour for me to be recognised among the big names in franchising.
Fin24.com: What's the most important business lesson you've learnt since going into business for yourself?
Do not always trust people to deliver their best.
Fin24.com: Any business person you particularly admire and why?
Raymond Ackerman. I once read an article in which he said the following: "Starting a company takes 90% guts and 10% capital.
"A reputation for honesty is a valuable asset. A wise entrepreneur waits until the company can comfortably afford it before increasing his own earnings." The Pick n Pay brand is an example of and a testimony of success.
Fin24.com: Any advice for budding entrepreneurs?
Work hard, go the extra mile, offer something special. Always deliver on your promises, do each task with energy and strive for perfection.
Remember that actions do speak louder than words.
Fin24.com: How has your business grown over the last few years?
The business has grown steadily over the years. It is important that I can say all my franchisees are doing well; my first franchisee has just renewed her five-year contract for another five years.
Fin24.com: What inspires you to get out of bed in the morning?
The fact that I have an absolute passion for what I do - the positive energy I receive from the children every day makes me happy.
Fin24.com: The business environment at the moment looks quite tough. Any practical advice you would give to entrepreneurs running a business in this climate?
Always remember that there is no excuse for bad service. Make sure you are totally involved in your business on all levels. Sometimes business owners are not even aware of what their employees are up to.
Your mission should be to offer the best service in your field in your area. Make sure you know exactly how much money is coming into the business and how much you are spending. Strive to keep your overheads as low as possible without compromising on quality.
Are you looking for a unique, very worthwhile and affordable business opportunity? Do you believe that the field of education is both a growing and dynamic industry? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of children by providing a much needed educational service? Would you like to foster a love for reading, spelling and language skills? If this description fits you, read on.
The demand and popularity of certified Montessori based English lessons for pre-schoolers has motivated Active English to offer you the outstanding opportunity of Active English Juniors in addition to Active English seniors.
What are the benefits?
- Flexible working hours.
- Low start up costs with excellent profit margins.
- Teach in a safe environment - work from home and nursery schools.
- Minimum administration required.
- Excellent reputation - top students.
- Ongoing educational research and updates provided.
- GUARANTEED PARENT SATISFACTION.
- Opportunities exist for expansion.
Educational Material Provided - JUNIORS
- A much sought after specialised pre-school syllabus for learners aged 4 to 6 years.
- Theme motivated, easy to prepare lessons that are unique to Active English. This programme has been researched, proven and put into practice for 13 years.
- Teaching manuals that are easy to use (hints on presentation of lessons, story-telling etc).
- Specialised pre-school syllabus (yearly updates).
- Flash cards.
- Customised advertising flyers.
- Accredited enrolment and indemnity forms, letters of introduction to parents etc.
- Training: 15 hours in total including 5 hours assistant teaching.
- Ongoing research and support for 5 years plus.
- Once your Active English Juniors is running successfully, you will be given the first option in your area to expand your business to Active English Seniors.
Financial Information - JUNIORS
- South Africa TOTAL cost is R60 000.
Education Material Provided.
- The Phonovisual Programme is creative. The activities have clear directions, motivating tasks, stimulating formats and an exciting method for the teaching of phonics. The letters have been divided into four houses, four wall charts, with a workbook for each grade. A teaching manual is also provided. The teaching manual offers clear instruction and provides a comprehensive list of activities for each letter of the alphabet. These activities are an integral component of the programme, hence the word 'active' English. Children are 'active' learners, they need to be physically involved in lessons. this programme will benefit any child who demonstrates curiosity, imagination, a sense of fun and a desire to learn. It will open a child's mind to new experiences and help fulfill their true potential.
- The senior Grades 4, 5, 6 and 7 programme consists of various workbooks for each grade. All books are curriculum based and develop all the necessary language skills. Grammar, vocabulary expansion, punctuation usage etc. All Active English workbooks have been carefully created to encourage children to develop an INTEREST and ENTHUSIASM for learning. The methods and skills used to teach English, reading and spelling will help students to think tasks through and discover exciting opportunities. The writing and appreciation of poetry, together with educational games makes this programme challenging and stimulating.
- The general principles of reading, spelling, story telling, presentation of lessons, writing and much more is provided. Teacher's notes and answer books add to this comprehensive educational package.
- Two weeks training, ongoing support and updates provided. Active English lessons provide skills of logic and reasoning that teach children HOW to think. Workbooks and activities are aimed at gifted and talented children. When children are taught as though they are gifted and talented, giftedness and talent have a good chance of emerging.
Locations Available
As this is a 'new' initiative there are still a number of sites available. The following areas have been taken :
- Eldoraigne (Centurion)
- Rooihuiskraal (Centurion)
- George
- East London
- Durban
- Bloemfontein
- Roodepoort
- Polokwane
- Three Rivers East (Vereeniging)
- Risiville (Vereeniging)
Financial Information - SENIORS
- South Africa Total cost: R100 000
Financial Information - JUNIORS & SENIORS
- South Africa Total cost: R150 000
Royalty Fee
A monthly royalty fee of R700 for the first year of operation gives the franchisee the opportunity to first 'grow' his business. The fee for the remainder of the 5 year contract is R1500 per month, rising at 10% per annum.
Typical Running Costs include:
- advertising costs
- royalty fees
- travel/petrol expenses
- electricity and telephone
- cleaning materials
- stationery and craft items
- access to photostat machine and binder essential
Background
Active English has been operating very successfully since 1993. Growing from 5 students to 157 students. Due to an increasing demand for this service, it was decided that franchising was the best way to go. So, in August 2001 the business was franchised.
Active English is a member of The Association of Private Providers of Education, Training and Development and has successfully exhibited at the International Franchise Exhibition held at the Sandton Convention Centre in 2002 & 2009. Active English is a proud member of FASA - www.fasa.co.za.
The ideal characteristics of an Active English franchisee:
- Outgoing and friendly
- High energy level
- Self-disciplined and resilient
- Prepared to adapt and absorb new ideas
- Highly organised
- Good communicator (written and verbal)
- Hungry for success
- Passion for teaching creatively
Set-up
A large room or a converted garage is ideal for the use of a classroom. A clean, comfortable classroom that is cheerful and inviting with suitable furniture, bookcases and reading corner etc. will be specified by the franchisor.
Training
The training takes place at Three Rivers East, Vereeniging, Gauteng.
Why Active English?
Active English is not an extension of school. Lesson content relates to school curriculum and English as a first language. But the unique presentation of the lessons make the attendance of Active English an enjoyable and challenging extracurricular activity.
The concept is ideal for teaching English to second language speakers, especially Afrikaans, African and foreign children. Most parents know that it is essential for their children to be bilingual, but at the same time it is important to maintain their own cultures and mother tongue. It is well-known that in most Afrikaans schools (for example) there is no formal English instruction in Grades 1, 2 and 3. It is only when they reach Grade 4 that formal English is introduced.
Marketing
By far the most successful and undisputed method of marketing is by word-of-mouth: the recommendation of satisfied parents and students. Initially, you will need to advertise at schools by making use of newsletters sent out to parents. High visibility signage and newspaper advertising is also advised.
Active English is not a 'Get-Rich-Quick' scheme, but a good, solid business that has grown from strength to strength. It is for the franchisee to decide how hard he/she would like to work. The customer base is unlimited as there are always children that need tutoring.
If you would like to become a part of this prestigious educational franchise, register online on this website (Franchise Opportunities) .
You must also complete the Selection and Recruitment and the Questionnaire documents and fax or e-mail them to us.
Natasha Le Roux
Portfolio Manager
Cellphone:
083 320 6822
Telephone:
012 661 8678
Fax:
086 553 7124
E-mail:
natasha@franchisefinance.co.za
Website:
www.franchisefinance.co.za
Physical address:
21 Adriana Crescent, Rooihuiskraal X25, Centurion
Postal address:
Private Bag X21, Highveld Park, 0067
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