HAPI EVENT

Last Saturday, March 10, 2012, I attended Expo Kid 4 at Rockwell Tent where HAPI (Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands) shared the wonderful benefits of homeschooling with parents.

You see, I grew up in a normal environment and went to a normal school that's why I was really curious about how they homeschool kids. 

What is homeschooling?  

According to HAPI (Homeschooling Association of the Philippine Islands), homeschooling is D.I.Y education at its best. Homeschooling brings a customized educational experience at home, one where the parents decide to fully take charge of teaching their children.

 HAPI shared to everyone the five TOOLS needed for a successful do-it-yourself education.

1. The RULER represents the learning context.  Homeschoolers can choose the homeschool provider that best fits their family or can opt to be independent of one.  Whatever they choose, there should be Dep Ed supervision.
2. The HAMMER represents the learning content or the curriculum.  This can be customized as there is a wide range of curricula and textbooks to choose from.
3. The SANDPAPER represents enrichment activities that hone the talent and skills of the homeschooler.  Homeschoolers can enrol their children in music, arts, or sports programs to best utilize their God-given talents.
4. The SHARPENING STEEL represents the support group where like-minded and helpful parents share parenting ideas and homeschool help.  The H.O.M.E. Library is one such group that provides encouragement to those who are homeschooling.
5. The PLUMB LINE represents the purpose which shall guide the family throughout their homeschooling journey. This is the most important tool for all and you, as a parent, must define a clear purpose before you embark on the homeschooling journey.

The PRODUCTS of successful homeschooling also shared their experiences and why they choose to homeschool as well. 

Louise Mabulo, a finalist in the first Junior Masterchef, shared how difficult it was for her to adjust to the local culture when her family moved to Camarines Sur.  The language barrier left her isolated from her classmates and caused her grades to drop. Things changed for the better when they started homeschooling through TMA.  Homeschooling has enabled her to pursue her dream of becoming a young chef and has allowed her to meet respected politicians and statesmen.

Paul Tan-Chi, the captain of the Ateneo Blue Eagles before graduating Cum Laude, is also an exceptional example of how successful homeschoolers turn out to be.  He credits his success to the values his parents inculcated in him at a very young age. He remembers being told to “Do your best in everything you do for God’s glory” and to this day, he always asks himself before making decisions, “What will bring glory and honor to God?”

 

In the Philippines, parents are considered the builders of a strong family foundation. So as parents you must lay the values system of your children. This is not an easy task, parents need all the support they can get. That is what HAPI D.I.Y. Homeschooling is trying to attain, to help parents bring out the best in their children. Yes siree to let their children achieve their full potential.

The kids who performed on stage that day are currently enrolled in the homeschooling program and I even saw a child who keeps on studying at the table where his mom is distributing pamphlet for the Home Schooling program. This can be a good alternative to regular school. They're not shy as opposed to the usual notion of parents that homeschooled kids are socially challenge individuals.

 

It is about time that parents takes this program into consideration.

You may be surprised at the list of famous personalities taught and schooled through homeschooling:

• Best-selling author Christopher Paolini
• NFL quarterback Tim Tebow
• Tennis Champ Serena Williams
• NASCAR racer Joey Logano
• George Washington
• Benjamin Franklin
• Thomas Edison
• Albert Einstein
• Gen. Douglas MacArthur
• C.S. Lewis
• Pearl S. Buck
• Florence Nightingale

If you’re interested about homeschooling, there’s an upcoming Philippine Homeschool Conference happening on May 19, 2012 with Bo Sanchez as one of the speakers.  It is a huge event and HAPI likes to invite everybody interested in homeschooling to come, discover, learn and be enlightened.

For more information, please visit  www.hapihomeschooler.com or get in touch with them via email @ hapihomeschooler@gmail.com.