SASHA MAPP USING HER SKILLS as an economist and her passion for education to improve the lives of her clients. (MH)

Stories by Julie Wilson

TEACHING is in Sasha Mapp's blood. So it was no surprise when the ambitious 23-year-old economist launched The Comprehensive Learning Academy, located on River Road in St Michael, to help small groups of students aged five and up to develop a passion for learning.

Mapp is doing this while holding down a full-time job plus a hectic schedule at the University of the West Indies' Cave Hill Campus where she is a part-time student in the Project Management and Evaluation master's programme.

And from all accounts, her efforts and those of her four colleagues have not come to naught, as they have been able to help 11 students gain places at secondary schools such as Combermere, Alleyne and Deighton Griffith.

Mapp and her team have also been able to help 80 per cent of their students obtain Grade 1 or 2 in their CXC examinations.

Speaking to BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY, Mapp said she developed a love for teaching from the age of 16 when she first offered academic assistance to under-achievers.

As a result, she decided to turn that skill into cash and took out a $35 000 loan to start the business, which provides tuition in subjects such as mathematics, English language, literature, the sciences, foreign languages, and general studies.

Mapp also spoke of a day and eveningprogramme for adults who left school without certification, and of the learning difficulties the centre addresses.

Her biggest achievement to date, Mapp said, was getting the business started and continuing despite challenges.

"Owning a small business is challenging. You have obviously to manage staff, make sure your clients and students are satisfied, and manage your finances."

For those starting up their own business, she urged them to believe in their dreams, do the market research, and be willing to move past mistakes made along the way.