As Kumon Philippines celebrates its 28th anniversary, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the journey of this pioneering afterschool program provider and its transformative impact on countless Filipino students. Since its inception in 1996, Kumon Philippines has been at the forefront of fostering academic excellence and self-learning, empowering students to realize their full potential.
The Beginnings: A Vision for Self-Learning
Kumon, founded by Toru Kumon in Japan in 1958, introduced a unique methodology emphasizing self-learning and individualized instruction. This approach was brought to the Philippines in 1996, where it was met with enthusiasm by parents and educators seeking an effective supplementary education system.
Expansion, Growth, and Proven Results
Over the past 28 years, Kumon Philippines has grown exponentially, with Kumon Centers spread across the archipelago. The program’s adaptability to various educational needs and its focus on Mathematics and Reading have made it a preferred choice for parents aiming to give their children a strong academic foundation. As of 2024, there are over 300 Kumon Centers in the country, serving more than 100,000 students in various communities.
Kumon doesn’t just promise results – it delivers them consistently. The achievements of its students speak volumes about the effectiveness of the Kumon Method. Countless students shared their remarkable improvements in Math and Reading skills, often surpassing their grade levels. Many parents also don’t shy away from sharing their child’s notable academic achievements after enrolling and completing Kumon.
“She does things on her own. When she comes home from school, she’s the one who tells us that she will sit down and do her homework. She reminds us also of certain requirements she needs in school. We don’t need to remind her anymore since she knows what she needs to do. Also, we rarely assist her since she has developed self-learning, even in subjects like Filipino and Science.”
-Mr. Derrick and Mrs. Amee Gonzaga, parents of country’s youngest Kumon Completer, Katrina Cassandra
“Kumon might be one of the reasons why I always want to do things perfectly. Kumon taught me that it’s alright to make mistakes as long as I try to correct them afterward, and that attitude helped me reach a lot. It always made me feel that I can do more, and with that mindset, I really got to achieve more.”
-Margaret Esther Cruz, Kumon Completer
“There are so many problems in this world that need solving. Kumon has been crucial in forming a habit of dissecting real-world problems.”
-Pocholo Miguel Espina, Kumon Completer
“I was blessed enough to have two supportive mothers, my mom, and my Kumon Instructor, Teacher Nelia. Both of them have always encouraged me to continue and finish Kumon. They would always tell me that I will see the benefits of all my hard work and effort once I finish. In fact, my mom would always remind me that there is always happiness and fulfillment after all the sacrifices.”
-Ma. Arselene Aquino, Kumon Completer
Adapting to Modern Challenges
In recent years, Kumon Philippines has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The program swiftly transitioned to online classes, ensuring continuity in students’ learning, and offered a tablet study called KUMON CONNECT, which enables students to study their worksheets digitally. This move not only maintained academic progress but also highlighted Kumon’s commitment to innovation and responsiveness to the needs of its community.
The Future: Continuing the Legacy
As Kumon Philippines looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its mission of fostering independent, lifelong learners. The journey to 28 years and 100,000 students is undoubtedly a monumental achievement, but Kumon Philippines is not resting on its laurels. Reaching these milestones is more than a number; it’s a reflection of the trust parents and students have in the program. It’s a testament to the dedication of Kumon’s Instructors and the power of transformative education. As Kumon Philippines celebrates this achievement, it looks ahead to a future filled with more success stories, more milestones, and a continued commitment to shaping young minds and fostering the academic excellence of a hundred thousand more students.
