Concerned citizen, George:
I am absolutely shocked that the BELA Bill was given less than a month for public comment. After many requests for an extension date, it was denied. This, the month of November, one of the busiest times in the academic calendar, with final exams for the year, it is hard to believe that the proposed bill is for the child's best interest.
This is clearly not the right time or enough time to allow for consideration and comments.
However, I am taking the time to write this letter into the late hours of the night, to oppose the proposed BELA Bill.
My children have a right to education. To access what they need in order to learn how to read, how to do maths and excel in their skills in order to make a contribution to this world and to this country.
The government does not have the right to educate my children, forcing us to comply with a state-controlled education through threats and punishment.
Making use of government schools and curricula are not in my child's best interests. It is my role as the parent to meet the needs of my children and provide what is needed for them to grow, learn, mature and become active, contributing members to society. There is a huge assumption in this bill that the government schooling and curricula are best for my children and I totally disagree with that.
The benefiting curriculum providers may think so, but this has not been proven and I believe that it is my right NOT to use such material. There is no constitutional or human rights grounds for imprisoning anyone choosing NOT to make use of government educational services and material.
Alternate education is on the rise all over the world. Education demands a different approach if we are to meet the everyday changing dynamics of the world we live in.
The government should be spending its time trying to develop effective education systems in our country instead of attacking those doing their very best to educate and raise children who would make this country proud.
I have a right to choose my own educational resources, and a right to educational support from the government, but in no way have any obligation to use this support if my children are getting the education they need without it and it is a crime to prevent or interfere with a child's right to education according to the individual's best interest.
I oppose the BELA Bill and would like to add my voice to stop this bill being passed.
See article "Homeschooling under threat' on BELA Bill on page 16 of George Herald, 9 November.
