Homeschooling is becoming a popular choice among parents in the UAE who want more personalized education for their children. Many parents feel traditional schools cannot meet their child’s unique needs, leading them to take up homeschooling.
What Drives Parents to Homeschool?
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Personalized Attention:
Sharjah resident Tara began homeschooling when her daughter’s school report didn’t reflect her true personality. Tara, a teacher, designed a curriculum tailored to her children’s needs, like her son, who thrives on hands-on learning. -
Global Trend:
Homeschooling has grown worldwide.- Before COVID-19: 3 million homeschooled globally.
- 2022: 3.4 million homeschooled in the US, and a 34% rise in the UK.
- By 2025: 5 million children expected to learn outside traditional schools.
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Support Networks:
Communities like Duneha Network and Cave Homeschooling Community help parents with mentorship, group activities, and resources. Events include science fairs, field trips, hiking, and scouts programs.
Challenges of Homeschooling
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Future Education:
Some universities, especially in India, require school transcripts, which can be hard for homeschoolers to provide. Parents need to plan carefully, such as writing GCSEs for UK universities. -
Skill Gaps:
Homeschooled children may miss traditional school experiences, like presentations, which parents work to address. -
Parental Commitment:
Homeschooling demands time and effort, requiring parents to act as both educators and resource managers.
Support for Parents
Communities like Cave offer mentorship, guiding families on education pathways for their children and providing resources to help with challenges.
Homeschooling is becoming an increasingly viable option for UAE parents, supported by dedicated communities and a focus on personalized learning.
