Introduction

In 2022, Sara Capson Mlabwa embarked on a mission to transform the way Tanzanians, particularly professionals and business people, communicate in English. Armed with her passion for education and a drive to make an impact, she founded English Swahili Tutorials, an online academy dedicated to teaching English with a personal touch. What started as a vision to empower others through language has since blossomed into a growing business with a strong emphasis on customer care, quality, and meaningful learning experiences.

Inspiration Behind the Venture

Sara's love for teaching and her belief in education as a powerful tool for change were central to her decision to launch English Swahili Tutorials. "Teaching is a good driver in making an impact in people's lives," she says. After earning her Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management in 2022, Sara realized she had the opportunity to turn her passion into a profession by helping individuals enhance their communication skills for professional growth.

Her journey has not been without surprises, however. "Life holds surprises for us sometimes," Sara reflects, noting that the process of teaching has not only made her a better educator but a better student as well. She emphasizes the mutual learning experience between her and her students, learning the importance of teaching according to individual needs. This dynamic exchange has shaped the values and the personalized approach that define her business today.

About English Swahili Tutorials

English Swahili Tutorials is more than just an educational platform—it is a space where individuals, particularly employees and businesspeople, can learn English in a supportive and respectful environment. The company offers English tutorials aimed at building confidence in communication, particularly in professional settings. Through this academy, Sara helps people improve their English fluency, enabling them to increase their impact in the workplace and in business environments.

Sara's mission is simple yet profound: to provide high-quality education that empowers individuals and enhances their opportunities in the professional world. With a vision to help many more speak English with confidence, she remains committed to continuous improvement and innovation in the field of language education.

Core Values:

  • Respect: Sara treats her students like friends and encourages camaraderie through English clubs where students can interact with one another.
  • Impact: Her focus is on making a real difference in the lives of her students, equipping them with skills that improve their daily interactions.
  • Continuous Learning: Sara believes in the importance of constantly learning and improving, both for herself and her students.

Products and Services

The main service offered by English Swahili Tutorials is helping professionals, especially employees and businesspeople, to speak English fluently and confidently. Sara’s courses are designed to cater to the specific needs of her clients, ensuring that they gain not just language skills but also the confidence to use English in practical settings.

The Business Model

Sara generates revenue primarily through tuition fees for her English courses, with a focus on student retention and brand identity. Offering incentives and discounts is another way she ensures a loyal customer base. Her approach emphasizes building strong relationships with students, understanding their challenges, and providing solutions that help them achieve their language goals.

Understanding the Market

Sara's target market consists of professionals—employees and businessmen—who need to improve their English for work-related reasons. She identifies their needs through one-on-one interactions, ensuring that her courses are tailored to meet specific challenges faced by these individuals. This approach has earned her the trust and respect of her clients, with many becoming repeat customers and referring others to her services.

In addition to personalized attention, Sara sets herself apart from competitors by treating her students with genuine care. She fosters a supportive learning environment that goes beyond a traditional classroom experience, establishing friendships and networks through English clubs where students can practice and engage with one another.

Key Milestones

Since starting her business in 2022, Sara has already achieved several notable milestones:

  • Helping over 100 people improve their English communication skills through her programs.
  • Growing her company to include two permanent employees and three casual workers.
  • Winning the prestigious Edupreneur of the Year Under 30 at the SHE Eastern Africa Awards 2024, a testament to her impact in the education sector.

These accomplishments speak to her dedication and the effectiveness of her approach in providing practical language education.

Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

Like many entrepreneurs, Sara has faced challenges in growing her business. One of the biggest hurdles has been inadequate funding, which has affected her ability to scale and meet her ambitious goals. Despite this, she remains steadfast in her commitment to her mission. "I will never give up," Sara asserts, and she continues to work on overcoming these financial barriers through persistence and strategic planning.

Innovation and Staying Ahead

Sara stays ahead of industry trends by maintaining a customer-centric approach. She actively conducts market research, listens to her students' feedback, and adapts her courses to meet evolving needs. She also encourages a culture of experimentation within her academy, testing new methods to improve the learning experience.

One of her key innovations is the focus on building networks through her English clubs, where students can practice with each other in a relaxed, social setting. This not only aids in learning but also builds community and fosters long-term engagement.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Sara is deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility in her business practices. She engages in ethical labor practices, ensures that her business operates in an environmentally friendly manner, and is involved in charitable activities that benefit the community. This holistic approach ensures that her business is not only profitable but also aligned with broader social and environmental goals.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Sara’s long-term vision is to help as many people as possible gain confidence in speaking English. In December 2024, she plans to launch a new program aimed at helping English teachers earn money by teaching part-time online. This initiative reflects her commitment to empowering others and expanding her impact beyond individual students to fellow educators.

Her vision is supported by strategic goal-setting, continuous learning, and network-building. As Sara grows her business, she remains focused on her mission to make education accessible, impactful, and transformative for her students.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those looking to start their own business, Sara's advice is simple yet powerful: “When you start your own business, you just have to accept failure and all kinds of disappointments. But never allow any spirit of giving up.” Her journey is a testament to the importance of resilience, adaptability, and passion in building a successful enterprise.