New centre in Guangzhou strengthens Kumon's presence in a country where it hopes to help disadvantaged children
Kumon China was established on March 1, and although a centre has operated in Shanghai for 10 years it was run as a separate entity to its Hong Kong counterpart.
The two centres, and a new Guangzhou centre which begins operations in May, have been consolidated under Kumon China, which has its headquarters in Hong Kong.
Alison Li Wai-fong, of Kumon Hong Kong's vision communication team in information investigation, said the institute's ultimate goal was to give everyone in the world a chance to learn through the Kumon method, especially in poorer places where children were disadvantaged.
'China is one of the countries we want to develop most,' Ms Li said.
'We hope that Kumon will eventually help children who cannot have a proper education in the mainland. We are now aiming at the big cities, so that the Kumon brand can be built up. The next step will be expanding to other areas in China.'
The institute was founded by Japanese mathematics educator Toru Kumon in 1958. It was his wish to contribute to world peace by giving as many children as possible the opportunity to develop their potential through the Kumon method.
