At Edublox, every franchise has its own story — and every owner brings a unique passion for helping learners succeed. In this Q&A, we speak with Kiroma Govender, owner of Edublox Kempton Park, whose journey from part-time tutor to franchisee reflects her deep belief in the life-changing power of Edublox’s approach to learning.
What inspired you to become an Edublox franchisee?
I started off at Edublox Kempton Park as a part-time tutor. I was still studying for my degree in Psychology and wanted to start improving my skills in this field. As time went on, I felt as if I could do more at Edublox, and with that, I worked my way up to become a full-time tutor. It was at that moment that I knew that being a part of Edublox was, and still is, my calling.
As a full-time tutor, I witnessed firsthand the impact that the Edublox programme had on each of my learners. I even saw a cognitive improvement in myself, just from presenting the Edublox sessions. Seeing my learners progress and achieve, even the smallest of things, brought me immense happiness. Nothing can compare to the feeling of seeing one of my learners improve.
This is what inspired me to become an Edublox franchisee. Every day is worthwhile, as I have the opportunity to work with the most amazing learners and witness their incredible development firsthand. I would not change this opportunity to enhance and grow young minds for anything in this world. Becoming an Edublox franchisee is not just a job; it is living the ultimate dream.
Can you share a memorable success story from one of your learners?
This is a tough one to answer, as each encounter with my learners, both past and present, holds such wonderful success stories. The most recent one is about a special little girl named Annabel van Tonder. She started at Edublox Kempton Park a few months before I decided to buy the franchise. Whenever she came to Edublox, she was always smiling from ear to ear and ready for the day’s session. She attended her recommended sessions religiously, and all of her hard work is paying off. Her mom consistently kept me updated regarding her progress, and a few days ago, her mom gave me the best news I could have ever hoped for: Annabel managed to make it into the Top 20. From where she started to where she is now, she has worked incredibly hard to achieve this outstanding success.
What does a typical session at Edublox look like for a new learner?
A typical session at Edublox usually starts with introducing the new learner to all the wonderful tutors and learners present at that time. Edublox tutors are specially trained to ensure that all sessions encompass a positive, safe and fun learning environment. We tend to ease the new learner in when they first start. We offer them constant reassurance during their sessions and we celebrate all of their victories, no matter how small they may be.
Why do you believe in Edublox’s approach to cognitive development and learning?
I believe in Edublox’s approach to cognitive development and learning, having personally witnessed the amazing results that learners have achieved. By incorporating care, compassion, and fun into the sessions, learners are more likely to engage with the programme, and this plays a crucial role in developing the necessary skills that these learners need to excel academically.
Edublox’s approach is a game-changer within the world of learning, particularly in the South African context. If I can put it simply, the Edublox approach is akin to a superpower that our learners are equipped with. To put things into a better perspective, just by presenting Edublox sessions, I saw significant improvements in my cognitive abilities – imagine the improvements in our learners! Witnessing where our learners started and what they achieved during their time at Edublox is like comparing night and day. In my opinion, the cognitive aspect of Edublox’s approach is the primary factor in many of our learners’ success stories.
In today’s day and age, Edublox should be viewed as an essential tool to help all learners reach their full academic potential. Edublox is not just for learners who are struggling. The Edublox programme is also beneficial for learners who are succeeding academically. The programme can and will give all learners that extra boost.
The success rate of Edublox alone speaks volumes about the wonders of this magnificent program.
What would you say to someone considering buying an Edublox franchise?
I would tell someone who is considering buying an Edublox franchise that they should definitely do it! It is a wonderful journey filled with many learning curves. Edublox doesn’t just develop our learners’ abilities; it also develops your own. You can learn a great deal from running your own franchise, and you get to witness the incredible results that our learners achieve – this is the best part. When learners do move on and they come back to visit you, the effects of the Edublox programme are still present.
Last, but not least, you are never alone. Edublox’s head office is always willing to assist you and encourage you when you feel like things are getting too difficult for you to handle yourself. It is truly remarkable to be a part of the Edublox family.
How has running an Edublox franchise impacted you personally and professionally?
Running Edublox Kempton Park has made an enormous impact on my life – both personally and professionally.
From a personal perspective, it has given me more confidence when speaking to various people. I have always been a caring and empathetic person. Still, through running Edublox Kempton Park, these personal attributes have developed, and I am now in a position where I can give back to individuals within my community. I am a lot happier, especially because of the work that I do and the learners that cross my path. It really gives my life a whole new meaning.
Professionally, I am better equipped to support parents and provide them with sound advice. I have established long-standing relationships with my clients as I see them as part of my Edublox family. I have also learned a great deal about the world of business, and I am continually working to improve every day. Thanks to the support from head office, I am also better equipped to manage my time effectively, which I really struggled with in the beginning.
What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Edublox family?
I thoroughly enjoy introducing new clients and learners to the Edublox programme, as well as representing the brand daily. I also appreciate being part of a supportive Edublox family, which assists me whenever I need help. Without this, I am unsure if I would be as confident in my abilities as I am now. At Edublox, you will never have to face things that you cannot handle alone.
