Kumon: Providing individualized learning opportunities

MANILA, Philippines - Much has been said about the big role of education in bringing about peace amongst nations. For Japan-founded Kumon Institute of Education, its ultimate goal is to contribute to world peace through education.

“We see the realization of that dream when we foster people through individualized education. We at Kumon believe that educated people are more peace-loving,” says Harlan Busto, Public Relations Division leader of Kumon Philippines. “Our mission is to have an impact on the education system and the development of the student.”

From a humble family business in 1958 in Osaka, Kumon now offers learning opportunities in 48 different countries and regions around the world. In the Philippines, the first Kumon center was set up in 1982 while Kumon Philippines, Inc. was incorporated in 1996.

“Just like any other business, there were challenges in the first few years. We had to introduce the concept of supplemental education through individualized learning, and there was a misconception that only a select few could afford it,” explains Pi Ramos, Kumon Philippines Marketing Communications Section leader. “Over the years, word of mouth from satisfied parents was our most potent form of advertisement. We at Kumon don’t focus much on the price; we focus on the value or the worth that you will be getting from enrolling your kids at Kumon.”

According to Harlan, while tutorials help students with their current lessons in school, Kumon is a long-term education program that seeks to build the student’s mastery in math and high level of comprehension in reading. The Kumon method features individualized instruction, self-learning, small-step worksheets, and guidance from instructors.

“At Kumon, students are allowed to study at their own comfortable level, having been assessed by the instructor when they enrolled in the center. The materials are designed for the child to tackle on his or her own. There is no pressure to finish the level with a group because they can complete the level at their own pace. We encourage our students to develop a study habit and solve problems independently,” claims Pi.

Harlan says, “Through individualized instruction and self-learning design, Kumon students solidify their mastery of the topic and develop confidence and the desire to advance further.”

He furthers that most Kumon students excel in school because they adopt a study habit not only in math and reading but in all their subjects as well. “These students go to the Kumon center only twice a week but they do the worksheets every day. That’s why we believe in the importance of the triumvirate—the center, students, and parents—working together. The kid’s Kumon study time at home also becomes his or her bonding time with his or her parents.”

As Kumon celebrates the 100th birth anniversary of its founder Toru Kumon this year, Kumon Philippines continues to achieve milestones. It has received the Hall of Fame Franchise Award in 2012 from Entrepreneur magazine. It was also awarded with the “Top 15 Fastest Growing Franchising Companies in the Philippines”, “Top 5 Outstanding Franchising Companies in the Philippines” and “Best in Franchise Support Award” in 2013.

In the Philippines, Kumon provides a unique method of learning to more than 55,000 students through its 253 centers, which are each managed by a Kumon instructor-franchisee who had to pass a stringent application process before given the prestigious title of being a Kumon instructor.

“Our principle is not focusing much on the business. Our instructors, just like our founder, focus on the quality,” says Pi, who explains that Kumon’s business model is that the franchisee is the Kumon instructor herself. It’s a full-time commitment so they have high preference for females between 25 and 45 years old.

“We’re targeting to open 28 more centers this year. We hope to extend the benefit of learning from Kumon to as many children as possible,” Harlan says.

Thinking of enrolling your kid in Kumon or even getting a franchise? You can’t go wrong with a learning organization that was born out of a father’s love for his son. If anything, Kumon proves how parents are willing to take the extra mile to ensure that their children get the best of everything.