Afterschool remedial education service to address low literacy and numeracy levels in the Tshwane South District

Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
A majority of grade four and five learners in South Africa do not have basic reading skills and perform poorly in mathematics. This is a complex challenge as the source of poor performance can be attributed to a combination of several factors which resulted in increasing enrolments in private schools and private tutoring services. The purpose of this research was to determine through quantitative methods, the viability of a remedial centre that addresses poor levels of literacy and numeracy in the Tshwane South District. Application of prior knowledge included resource-based view and the lean start-up approach as applicable management theories; analysis of stakeholders impacting viability of the proposed business venture; exploring challenges in implementing remedial education; exploring options for remedial interventions; and assessing the impact of digital technology in remedial education. The study revealed there is an interest in an afterschool supplementary service in Centurion. This interest is for learners requiring remedial, catch-up, maintaining grades or going beyond grade levels. This requires high quality service at affordable price, with an online option and a method with proven track record. Notwithstanding, real progress may take time with sustainable improvement in leaner academic outcomes and confidence. Therefore, a Kumon franchise is proposed to offer this service as it best meets customer needs through proven methods and curriculum, online service and confidence building service. The break-even point is at approximately 70 learners however the business aims to acquire 110 learners in year one. The target market has eight schools within a 7km radius in a district absorbing 10% to 13% new learners migrating into Gauteng annually. This represents a high growth potential business that scalable to a private remedial school later. The start-up funding requirement is R1,36 million comprising of 37% shareholder’s contribution and 63% loans from banks payable within 5 years. Therefore, this is therefore a viable business venture.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023
Keywords
UCTD, Afterschool, Remedial, Education service, Literacy, Numeracy
Citation
Machipi, Noko. (2023). Afterschool remedial education service to address low literacy and numeracy levels in the Tshwane South District [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/40458