I was disappointed to learn of the changes to home schooling tabled in the draft Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill. Sadly, the timing of the public comment period - peak examination season - meant many parents were unable to respond.
Among other issues, the bill infringes on parental rights to choose the curriculum - within limits - that best suits their child.
This is counter to the South African Constitution (Section 28(2)): “A child's best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.”
More troubling is the open discrimination to be shown to home-schooled children in qualifying for school completion. This will force many to countries that recognise the validity and rigorousness of the home schooling system.
But neither of these are a patch on the proposed requirement that parents apply to the state to request permission to school their children in the manner that they, as the child’s parents, deem to be best. This is Orwellian and frankly just frightening.
I am not a home schooling parent, but I am a voluntary teacher of many children who are home schooled.
I see the positive impact that home schooling has on their lives: in terms of their character, their faith, their life choices, and their academic achievements.
This bill, should it be enacted, will place this valuable, and viable, alternative to overtaxed educational resources under serious threat.