ABU DHABI: Every time Pakistani expat Sameera Mohammad tells people she homeschools her kids, she raises a few eyebrows. But the mother of four is stoic in her belief that she has chosen the best path for her children’s all rounded development. Two things helped have helped her - stern commitment and the Abu Dhabi Home Schoolers Association (ADHSA).
When she moved to Abu Dhabi in 2008, Sameera changed schools three times for her children as she found them confining. “Around seven years ago, I researched on homeschooling and came across ADHSA. After seeing how other mothers managed homeschooling so efficiently, I made the leap of faith. There has been no looking back since,” said the former banker.
Winning laurels
Her son Arham, 16, and daughter Reham, 15, have brought home many laurels in events like Word Scholars Cup and UAE Fairy Tales Competition. For the last three years they have represented ADHSA at the International History Bee and Bowl and won many medals. They also attended the National High School Model United Nations conference in New York last month.
“In the last 10 years we have provided encouragement and support to many families. We are mainly a support group that wants to build a community of well-rounded future citizens of the world,” said Canadian expat Rebecca Lavallee, chairperson of ADHSA, who has homeschooled her five children.
Way of life
These moms ascertain that homeschooling is a way of life which is integrated in every task they do. “ADHSA does not impose any guidelines or impositions. Every family can choose their own pattern or curriculum that suits their needs,” said Rebecca.
Treasurer Rafaela Panicker, who has a PhD in engineering, said the process begins from the birth of the child. “The sky is the limit with what you want to teach your children. For instance, we have a chicken coop at home which is mostly managed by my kids,” she said.
Vice Chairperson Gloria Brown said: “Homeschooling has given me the freedom to polish the talents of my five children and correct their weaknesses. Apart from studies, I have taught them money management, life skills, public speaking and more.”
Debunking myths
Among the frequent questions these moms face is whether their children are good at socialising. “It is quite the contrary,” said Sameera. “We have noticed that other children only mingle with a set group of friends. Whereas our kids are exposed to many different groups and nationalities (due to the activities of ADHSA).”
Certified teacher Nikoah Thornton, IT administrator of ADHSA, said it’s a myth that children who are home-schooled don’t do well academically. But what about discipline? “We do not have cable and video games are restricted strictly to weekends,” said Sameera.
“This doesn’t mean they are missing out on anything, but rather they find time to do more productive things.”
Sameera and Nikoah will be guest speakers at the Global Home Schooling Conference 2018 to be held in Russia in May.
“All our children have got into leading universities. That should speak for itself for those who have reservations about homeschooling,” said Rebecca.
About ADHSA
Formed in 2008 by a handful of families, today ADHSA has 50 families who home school their kids from pre-school to high school.
The group has an eclectic mix of parents from Canada, India, Pakistan, UK, US, Brazil, and more.
They organise three major events every year and host many clubs, meetings, field trips and play dates.
Homeschooling is recognised by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. For higher education, children would require a transcript of their courses, a self-made portfolio and SAT results (may vary according to universities). A few reputed online resources for homeschooling include iCademy, Khan Academy and Clonlara.
