Everything You Need to Know About Homeschooling in Kenya

Homeschooling is a type of education where children get tutored from their homes. Homeschooling is less formal than education at a conventional school. In Africa, it has been practiced since time immemorial. However, after colonization and introduction of Western lifestyle, the concept was lost. In Kenya, more and more parents are adopting the technique as opposed to sending their children to conventional public or private schools.

Currently, there are no specific laws in the constitution that govern homeschooling in Kenya. Following the implementation of Basic Education Act (No. 14 of 2013), some government and school officials now say that homeschooling is illegal. Homeschoolers, however, continue to pursue amendments to the law so that it specifically includes homeschooling. The Alternative Education Policy recognizes non-formal education.

The government knows of the existence of the concept and oversees to ensure the parents have: curriculums, goals, schemes of work, qualifications for manpower at hand, and to see if the children are getting quality education.

What You Need

Figure out the legalities

The rules surrounding homeschooling in Kenya are not specifically addressed in the constitution. It is wise to contact the Home School Legal Defense Association to assist you understand all the legalities involved. It should be noted that one does not need a teaching certificate to educate their child at home.

Pick a curriculum

There are various curricula to choose from. Some include: 8-4-4, foreign curricula, creating your own based on various sources, online sources. From the curriculum chosen, your child may join public or private universities locally. However, the cost involved in homeschooling depends on the curriculum chosen.

Decide on an approach

Choosing your approach enables you to decide the pace at which you educate your children. For classical educators, a more structured curriculum is advisable. Another approach would be to take cues from other homeschoolers. Talk to them and if you agree with the methods, go for it. If not, find something else.

Reach out to your local homeschool support groups

The support groups in Kenya are broadly referred to as co-ops. A Co-op is a group of parents who live in Kenya and have chosen to homeschool and meet regularly for support. The Coops get together frequently to organize events such as field trips sports, arts and crafts, and provide equipment.

The coops are located on Mombasa Road for ACE home schools boasting 50 families, Ngong Road, Karen etc. The groups are scattered all over East Africa and meet annually for East Africa Community of Homeschoolers conference.

Other organizations that provide support, information and access to resources are Elimu Nyumbani, Nairobi Home School & Tuition Limited, and Home School Foundation.

Measuring progress

The student, parents, and tutors set goals at the beginning of the school year and progress is measured against these goals. At the end of the school year, depending on the curriculum, students sit exams at various centres which enables them to proceed to regular schooling at university.

Be patient

Usually, it takes about a year for parents to get into the groove. Rarely does anyone hit the ground running and knows what they are doing. Therefore, be patient with your child and yourself. It is Okay to try out different curricula until you get one or tailor one that works for your child.

Reasons to Home School your Child

In Kenya, parents have become really frustrated with the current education system. The main reason for this is that it does not actualize the children’s full capabilities and interests. Instead, there is the cramming culture and children end up being half-baked when they join society as adults. Some benefits for homeschooling your child are discussed below.

You get to choose your own curriculum or tailor-make one according to your child’s abilities.
As a parent, you get to schedule your own school hours and days, lesson time, and other activities.
Contrary to common myth, children who are homeschooled are not socially handicapped. They get enough time to socialize with their peers in the neighborhood after school. In addition, the groups organize outdoor activities that are slotted in the timetables.
The goal of homeschooling is not for testing only, but also for mastery and application.
There is no overcrowding. You children are able to learn in a spacious environment where they have personalized attention.
You will have enough time to bond with your children to mould them and their behaviour. You have access to what they see and learn.
The traditional schooling system in Kenya is a bit punitive. Children as young as six years old go to school too early and come home late. They are also required to be in school over the weekends for remedial classes and come home with too much assignments.

Disadvantages of Homeschooling Your Child in Kenya

Homeschooling requires an extraordinary level of commitment. It will require you to be a teacher and a parent, basically, all your time.
It is not a direct saving on regular tuition fees. In fact, the cost is expectedly higher than regular formal schooling.
You will need to justify homeschooling to family and friends who oppose your decision. Since there isn’t that much information locally, you will be doing this a lot.
You will need to deal with frustrations of sometimes being ‘behind’ compared to those in regular schools. When this happens, remember to be patient and go at your child’s pace.
Get out of your comfort zone. As much as it may be uncomfortable, going the homeschooling way will require you to venture into a whole new sector.

Overview

In conclusion, homeschooling has its pros and cons and one who decides to venture into it should consider them. The legal battle to make laws that carter for homeschooling in Kenya is still ongoing, and is expected to be revolutionary once it comes to pass. The support groups are really important as they offer insights, equipment, and resources that you may need to embark on your homeschooling venture.