Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, more and more parents have opened their minds to homeschooling as an educational option for their kids. This is the case not just in the Philippines but all over the world.
Despite the many challenges and concerns brought about by the pandemic, homeschoolers (and those who are interested in homeschooling) have definitely seen some advantages in being more digitally connected with others. With everything going online, the world has become much “smaller,” and communicating with people from other countries has become so much easier.
Ever want to go on a field trip to a museum in Paris but you can’t afford it? Now, you can—virtually! In fact, there are so many places that started offering virtual tours because of the pandemic.
Or have your kids always wanted to learn a new skill but your home is too far away from the training center or school (not to mention the traffic going to and from there)? Online classes have solved that concern for many families!
Want to connect with families from other countries and learn new things together? Yes, you can—online! The world has really become our “classroom” in so many ways.
And the upcoming Homeschool Convention 2022 - Asia Edition is proof of this. If you’re a homeschooler who wants to connect with and learn from fellow homeschoolers and educators from different countries in Asia, you will definitely want to attend this milestone event.
Happening on April 7 to 9, 2022, the convention is the FIRST of its kind in Asia. Organized by Homeschool Singapore, it involves homeschooling communities across Asia, especially Taiwan and the Philippines, countries with a longer history of modern homeschooling.
Pilipinas represent!
The Philippines will be proudly represented by Filipino homeschooling moms Mariel Uyquiengco, Michelle Padrelanan, Sanne Unson, and Tina Rodriguez, who are also the moms behind Educating for Life, the creators of the Philippine Homeschool Convention and other events like the Connect Homeschooling and Intentional Parenting Summit. They are also the hosts of “The Educating for Life Show”, which is also live streamed on theAsianparent Philippines’ Facebook page.
The four long-time homeschooling moms and advocates will be keynote teachers at the convention, and here are some highlights of what you can learn from them and the other keynote teachers:
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Education and Social Impact
Sanne Unson will be joined by Kalsum Harun from Singapore and Mansi Kasliwal in this keynote topic, where you can learn more about the relationship between education and social impact. Find out more about the state of education in India, Singapore, and the Philippines, and how alternative education—like homeschooling—can help address issues that these countries are facing.
Sanne will also be sharing about how she weaves the relationship between social impact and education in her family’s homeschooling journey. An interesting discussion, for sure!
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Education and Parenting
Mariel Uyquiengco, along with Felicia Lie from Indonesia and Sonica Kohly from India, will tackle this very relevant topic. They will share how parent-educators balance their roles and responsibilities, and cover the pitfalls of not understanding or appreciating the different roles.
If you’re a parent who is deeply involved with your child’s education (or hopes to be deeply involved)—whether homeschooling or not—you’ll definitely want to hear this talk!
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Education and Big Families
Tina Rodriguez and Dorcas Lee from Singapore will share about how it’s like to educate big families. (Tina has five kids plus one in heaven, while Dorcas has five children.) They’ll talk about some common misconceptions about homeschooling many kids, and bare the truth about their parenting milestones.
Get a glimpse at how big families pursue homeschooling, and be inspired by their advice for parents who are struggling in their home-based learning journeys.
- Education and Mental Wellness
Michelle Padrelanan will be joined by Mark Lim from Singapore and Alvaro SanMartin from Spain as they talk about this very important topic. Mental wellness is all about restoring our humanity, and this keynote panel will help you learn how we can keep our “humanness” as education moves towards “edtech” and being online.
You’ll also learn how children’s mental wellness is important in education, and how the fundamental needs of children are met through homeschooling and alternative education. Another relevant and interesting topic for all of us!
Lots to learn and more connections to make at the Asian Homeschool Convention
The four keynote topics mentioned earlier are part of the seven keynote teachings at the convention. Participants can opt to buy tickets for just the seven topics or purchase a bundlie which includes recordings by speakers of previous Singapore Homeschool Conventions.
Besides the moms from Educating for Life, Filipino homeschooled teens and homeschool graduates will also be part of the Convention, specifically through the High School Program, which features an “International Youth Brainstormathon” and a “Music Showcase.” The Music Showcase on April 9 will be via Zoom and admission is totally free!
There will also be a Curriculum Fair featuring vendors from Singapore, Taiwan, Pakistan, and the Philippines (of course!). Admission to the Fair is also free, so this is your chance to get to know about homeschooling communities across Asia plus connect with businesses and groups that support homeschoolers. The kids’ segment of the Curriculum Fair will also feature different activities for children.
One thing’s for sure: The Homeschool Convention 2022 - Asia Edition is definitely an event for the whole family—whether you homeschool or not. A truly historic event, it offers alternative approaches for education that will surely help parents and children who are looking for new ways of learning in the 21st century, hybridized, digital world.
So, what are you waiting for? Don’t miss this chance to connect with and learn from parents and educators from across Asia! Click here for more details and to register.
About the author:
Tina Rodriguez is a self-professed “media missionary” who loves God, her family, books, and dark chocolate. She believes in passion-led, purpose-filled, lifelong learning. This is mainly because she comes from a medical background but is now pursuing her childhood passions as a writer, editor, content creator, and occasional resource speaker. It’s also why she and her husband homeschool their kids, in the hope that each of them will more ably discover their passions and God’s purpose for their lives.
Tina is also one of the four homeschooling moms behind Educating for Life (EFL), which is all about supporting families and valuing education. She is EFL’s resident “PR girl” and trying-hard-graphics-artist.