28 Jul 2014

The art of running a successful business requires proper attitude, determination, perseverance and patience.

Each business has its challenges and hardships, but Youth Development Fund (YDF) beneficiary in Bobonong is proving to defeat the odds by establishing and operating viable and unique project that provide interactive learning to learners.

The YDF, administered by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, is attracting many young Batswana who wish to own businesses and create employment to fellow youth. 

Through the YDF, some young Batswana have set up sustainable businesses. Ms Rossah Ditirwa, a bachelor of science graduate from the University of Botswana, operates financiers and potential customers considered an awkward and unviable venture. 

However, the YDF funded the venture with P96 000. Funding took long to come because the business was unique and unknown.

After a market research, Ms Ditirwa established a tuition centre known as Smart Lab Centre to help school going children both primary, secondary, out-of-school and those involved with distance learning, she said in an interview

Smart Lab Centre offers theory test revisions for driver’s licence and computer lessons and operates with qualified personnel that possess bachelor degrees from various universities.

Most of the students come for mathematics and science tutoring.

Ms Ditirwa said she hoped that the Department of Social and Community Development would enable its students to enrol for private tuition.

“I started with two clients who were my extended family members and it was really tough and stressful during the first months,” she said. 

“At one point I was thinking of getting a job, but with patience and determination I soldiered on up to this far.”She advised that people should not laugh at business failures but should learn from the mistakes. 

The centre now has 27 learners. She explained that supplementary learning was not meant for students who were perceived as struggling at school, but that highflyers also use the service to excel. 

She said just like in urban areas children in rural areas must be exposed to such interactive studies.

With growth in her tuition service business, Ms Ditirwa is confident that she would service her YDF loan. 

Her business challenges include marketing and advertising, new and unique business needs such outreach campaigns. 

She has since used Facebook and Twitter platforms to carry out advertising and marketing.

The challenge is that despite these pages people seem to ignore educational materials online, but currently the bigger support comes from teachers.

She thanked her mother and some members of the extended family who sacrificed their time and resources for the business, which in turn cut operating costs. She said the Bobonong youth office was a source of inspiration

Smart Lab Centre charges P150 per month for primary school pupils and P300 for secondary school students. 

However, fees may vary depending on the needs of a student. ENDS