Stacey Brewer – Rhodes University Graduate 2006
Ryan Harrison – Rhodes University Graduate 2006
SPARK Schools is a network of low fee private primary schools providing high quality education at an affordable cost. SPARK Schools is the first blended learning education model on the African continent. Stacey Brewer and Ryan Harrison started this phenomenal business after studying at Rhodes University as well as an MBA at GIBS together. The blended learning education system has taken South African education by storm and has made high quality education accessible. RGIB asked Stacey and Ryan a few questions about their business:
1. Where are you based? Johannesburg, South Africa
2. When did you attend Rhodes? Ryan: 2003-2006, Stacey: 2003-2006
3. What degree did you complete? Ryan: BSc, Stacey: BSc
Business Info
4. What is the name of the business you have chosen to showcase? SPARK Schools
5. What products and/or services does this business offer? Education
6. How many years and months has this business been running for? 20 months
7. What is your title? Stacey: CEO and Co’founder Ryan: COO and Co’founder
8. What is the web address of the business? http://www.sparkschools.co.za/
Tell us about your business…
9. What motivated and inspired you to start your business? Ryan and Stacey completed their degrees at Rhodes University in 2006 and then their MBA degrees at GIBS (Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria), and it was during the course of their studies that they became interested in education. Their lecturers continually highlighted the dire condition of education in South Africa and challenged them to address these issues as future business leaders. This prompted Stacey to conduct her own research into South African education and to find a way to positively contribute. After reading the CDE (Centre for Development and Enterprise) report on the emergence of low-fee private schools, Stacey channelled her investment in educational improvement into her thesis, which focused on a sustainable financial model for low-fee private schools in South Africa.
As Stacey researched, she found that, in terms of existing low-fee private school networks, either the total cost to educate was too high or the quality of education offered was questionable. In order to address these issues, Ryan and Stacey searched the entire school market to find existing models that could be scaled across the country. They sought out a model that would integrate technology into the school system to accelerate students’ learning and allow for individualised education. However, Ryan and Stacey found that no existing schools in South Africa were effectively integrating technology into their school model, as opposed to using technology as a supplement to a traditional model.
Ryan and Stacey investigated international models in India, Kenya, and Ghana to search for an innovative system that could be adapted in South Africa. Eventually, they came across a blended learning model in the United States, combining classroom and computer-based teaching, that has inspired the SPARK Schools model. This model allows SPARK Schools to fulfil its mission of providing high quality education at an affordable cost.
10. Tell us about your business? SPARK Schools is a network of low fee private primary schools providing high quality education at an affordable cost. SPARK Schools is the first blended learning education model on the African continent.
11. What were the first steps you took to get your business up and running? The first step was to speak to a lot of people and build up a network as large as possible to be the enablers and the supporters of the business idea. In addition, Stacey did her MBA thesis on the financial viability of low fee private schools.
12. What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business? Through public relations such as newspaper articles and radio interviews.
13. What have been the biggest challenges so far with running your business? There are MANY challenges but the challenges in starting out a business is that one has a lot to prove to everyone as there is no proof of concept. You need to sell an idea to potential employees and customers when there is no proof of concept.
14. How did you overcome these challenges? Relationships are critical and one has to develop a trusting relationship with key stakeholders. It is critical to sell the mission and vision of what the company is about.
More about you….
15. What do you love about your business? We are proving what everyone else says is impossible.
16. What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs? Just start! One must plan but do not over plan as the most valuable lessons is in the actual doing.
17. What is your business philosophy? Empowerment and development of people.
18. What did you enjoy most about your time at Rhodes? The long lasting friendships formed.
SHORT SENTENCES TO FINISH…
19. The bravest thing I have ever done is… Start a business and within 18 months, employing 40 people and educating 360 children.
20. My greatest fear is…Not finding great people to work with.
21. If I could go back to when I was 20, I would tell myself…Do it all again!
22. The biggest lesson I have ever learnt is…Trust your instincts.
23. My favourite business tool or resource is…Our shareholders and board members-very valuable!
24. My favourite quote is…“As you let your own light shine, you unconsciously give others the permission to do the same.”
Contact Details
ryan@eadvance.co.za
stacey@eadvance.co.za
Rhodes Graduates in Business 