There are over 300 families registered as active members of the Home School Association of Trinidad and Tobago, and according to the Corporate Secretary of the association, Dr. Fiona Rajkumar, the numbers keep growing.
Though home schooling is not a new concept in Trinidad and Tobago, the formal organisation has been in existence for eleven years.
Dr. Rajkumar explained that more families are choosing home schooling instead of the traditional public school system.
“For those of us who have a philosophy of education where we want a more holistic approach to working with our children, in an environment that allows them the freedom to learn and to grow at their pace, we’ve chosen this, and there are persons who have children with special needs, and they are also able to tailor their education to their children. And we’ve seen these children grow and really thrive in the homeschooling environment.”
With hundreds of families registered with the Home School Association, Dr. Rajkumar noted that parents are becoming more confident in their ability to provide quality education to their children.
“The association is there to provide support for families as they homeschool. They can find a welcoming community, and it’s also about volunteerism as well. And so in the Association, we understand that the Association will thrive and flourish and grow as persons come on board and contribute to this growing community.”
Friday was one such opportunity for the community to meet, as the Association hosted a Meet and Greet, Business Expo and Curriculum Fair at the Tacarigua Community Centre.
Business owner and home school supporter Maria Bhola-Paul said persons often believe the misconception that home schooling hinders a child’s development. She said this is far from the truth.
“Both my son and daughter, their foundation was in homeschool, and I think homeschool is something that is largely misunderstood. People tend to think that the children are withdrawn from society. But it’s not so. You know, what it is is essentially me as a parent deciding that I want to intentionally shape their mind and how they interact with society.”
Ms Paul said the journey did not feel isolating because of the types of activities cultivated through the Home School Association.
“I was really afraid at the idea of it, because I’m thinking, if these children don’t turn out to be intelligent, it will be my fault. But it’s a learning experience, I think, for both the parents and the children, and, as I said, I have no regrets.”
Participants and vendors used the opportunity to celebrate the power of connectivity, empowerment , and inspiration while building lasting connections with fellow home schoolers.