Extract of Monique van Heerden’s Presentation
(West Rand Franchisee) at an Educational
Franchise Exhibition*, 10 December 2011

Introduction

My journey so far, ladies and gentlemen, has been a joy ride. The slide (see figure below) shows the growth that Johannesburg West Rand franchise achieved for the first six months of this year. I believe that being an ex-teacher in the local school community, and being very enthusiastic about education, contributed to my success. I must also add that word-of-mouth marketing has nailed it for me this year.

What I did before owning an Edublox franchise?

You know, the saying “those who can’t do, teach” is pretty derogative, actually, but for a long time, and today still it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do — stand in front of a classroom. I wanted to be in control of the energy, because you have the ability to turn it into something positive or negative.

I’m trained as a senior primary phase teacher, with remedial teaching as a major, and with 10 years experience behind me, I was a Jack of all trades, but a Master of none.

Why I started at Edublox?

Despite having taught Grades 3 – 12 in 9 learning areas, having to be a hockey coach, even though I’ve never played hockey in my life, having to umpire at every athletics meeting in the hot sun, having to be a judge at the Eisteddfod, even the schlep of having to change the curriculum every other year at the whim of the Education Department, all that has just reinforced the idea, that I know I can, and that is why I teach.

Only after taking some time off from teaching to take care of my child, did I realize that I miss my true calling, teaching, and don’t get me wrong — being a stay at home mom has its own challenges! I became interested in Edublox and decided to test the water first. I started by working with the home kit, and after seeing the results, I knew what my next step was.

Where am I today?

The West Rand clinic caters for a variety of learners. The Edublox program is designed for pre-school to adult. At the Johannesburg West Rand franchise we’ve got classes running from Grade 1 to Grade 7, and starting with Grade R’s next year as well. We also have an absolutely amazing Studiblox program, which focuses on study methods for Grade 4 - 9 learners. At Edublox we work hard but we play hard as well.

Marketing has been my biggest fear when I bought this franchise just over a year ago, and what has happened over the past few months is that I’ve been able to change that fear into my passion, and it is simply because I have so much faith in the program and the results I’m seeing.

I’m a proud “mamma”, all the learners in my class are my children, and I’m so proud of their achievements this year. We’ve had our prize giving recently, and seeing those little faces beam after a year of hard work has just made it so much more worth it. I’m also proud of the parents who had the confidence to say, “listen guys, I need help”, to accept the help we offer, and I know they go the extra mile for their children having to come to class, even on a Saturday, when all they’ve wanted was to stay in bed.

Why I like to work at Edublox?

Over the past few months I’ve learnt that practice makes perfect. I appreciate every opportunity to grow and share, and Edublox as a franchise is giving me that opportunity on a daily basis. Building relationships with fellow stakeholders, remedial teachers and occupational therapists, all of that is getting better each day. The franchise is also a proud member of the Roodepoort Chamber of Commerce. I am hoping to use this platform to get more involved with issues that touch the community.

Edublox is growing as a franchise setup in general; in two years we’ve been able to sell nine franchises, with a tenth opening in January in Phalaborwa. Edublox is constantly introducing new products and developing new programs.

All in all I’m still following my true calling, that of being a teacher, but I’m not a Jack of all trades anymore. I now have certain expertise I can share with my ex-colleagues and schools. I’ve got something valuable to give to parents after they’ve went through it all, and seeing those constant happy faces coming into the franchise, and receiving constant positive feedback make it all the more worth the while.

Ladies and gentlemen, after everything I’ve shared with you, I’m sure that you can understand that Edublox has become a lifestyle for me. But I’m still a woman, and if I had one wish it would be to wear my high heels every day, but as my fellow educators will know that kite is never going to fly.

I thank you.

* Workshop and Exhibition — Business Opportunities in Childcare, Education and Sport in Pretoria.