Good Day!

The below letter is with regards to the tabling of the BELA BILL, which is scheduled for the 26 October 2023, in the National Assembly, as per the parliamentary program.

I have spent quite a bit of time and effort on this letter. I would appreciate it if you could take the time to read it. I know that time is very valuable, and I don’t intend to waste yours. As a Member of Parliament, you are my voice, and I thank you for that.

I would like to take this opportunity, not only to let you know about my concerns, but I am also hoping that I could provide you with information about Home Education, which may assist you in the debating of the Bill.

There are quite a few clauses in the Bill that I am concerned about, however I will be focusing this letter on Clause 35. Home Education.

Not many people have a very good understanding of Home Education.
I myself have only within the last two years gained extensive knowledge on what it all entails, and I am still learning.

Through my research I have also realised that learning does not start when you commence school and end when you graduate.
We learn from the day that we are born, until the day we die.

It would take me hours to explain all aspects of home education to you, but I hope that I can try do that in a few paragraphs.

I also hope that you are willing to learn about it.

Just a note, if you do research and look back at the public hearings, written submissions etc, you will notice that Home Education was referred to as Clause 37, it is Clause 35 in the current version.


A little bit about Home Education.

At first, I thought, it's quite a simple concept - the child is educated in the same way as in school, but only in the home, by the parent.
I was quite amazed at how wrong I was to have come to this conclusion as Home Education is so much more.
Equating home schooling with replicating school at home is a misconception.
It was definitely not easy for me to break this thought cycle, to redefine education and embrace diverse learning approaches, especially, as I was educated in a traditional school.
It takes some time to build up confidence, experience and a good knowledge of the many choices available, nationally and internationally and then to have the wisdom and discernment to pick good options for each of your children.

There is a diversity of options available to Home Educate.

Home Education/Home Schooling/ World Schooling / Unschooling, Eclectic learning breaks away from the rigid structures of a National or set curriculum.
Instead of a teacher dictating the curriculum, parents, with the participation of their children tailor-make their children’s Home Education to suit their personalities, interests, abilities, values and needs rather than following a boxed curriculum.
Parents are more of a guide, than an instructor.
It fosters independent thinking and creativity.
It encourages self-directed learning, curiosity driven exploration and real-life experiences.

It lets a child learn at their own pace, something that is not possible in traditional schooling.
The learning is customized to the child and may not necessarily follow a set curriculum within a specific time.
It prioritizes individualised education tailored to a child needs, interests and stage of development in contrast to a one-size-fits-all approach of a traditional school.

Flexibility in subject matters, learning methods and schedules allows the child, not only to learn at his own pace, but it also fosters a deeper understanding of subjects rather than learning within a time limit and expecting the child to memorise what he has learnt. Children are therefore eager to gain knowledge.

The child has the freedom to be able to choose to learn what he is interested in. It allows him to pursue his passions. This not only promotes self-motivation but also nurtures a love for learning. It fosters a sense of curiosity and intrinsic motivation.

It incorporates real world learning experiences and practical skills, which makes learning relevant and engaging.
Besides life learning, there are a wide range of resources available, from books, online courses and online resources, field trips and hands-on-projects to name, only a few. This creates diverse learning opportunities and the child is exposed to a variety of socialisation through this.

Parents’ guide and support the child which creates a strong bond as well as individualised attention. This individualised attention is not at all possible in Public Schools.

There are many homeschooling communities, locally and online which families rely on for information, assistance, socialisation etc.

My Concerns about the BELA Bill

"The Bill of Rights provides that-
(b) a child's best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child."

I feel that Clause 35, Section 51 restricts parents to ensure that their children receive an education that is "in the child's best interest".

Clause 35, Section 51.