FUN and laughter were the order of the day on Saturday, June 2, when the local homeschool community came together to host what turned out to be a very successful market at Fountain Vineyard Church in Miramar.
In a refreshing change from most conventional markets, the group of parents and children only sold products that were handmade. The market also went a long way towards helping the parents teach their children about finances and entrepreneurship.
According to Tersia Muston, one of the parents, the homeschool community is growing very quickly in Port Elizabeth.
“This used to be a foreign matter, but more and more parents are becoming frustrated with the school system. Each parent teaches their own child at home.
“Although we work together as a community in doing activities, most of us have a different curriculum we follow.”
The group of families work together to provide the social and cultural needs of their children without sending them to mainstream schools. They come together every week for sports activities, art lessons, visits to museums and much more.
This was the first time they tried their hand at hosting an entrepreneurial market, though. According to Muston, it was a huge success.
“We had 30 tables at the market. Each table represented at least one child, but most families do have two or more children that were involved,” she said.
“We did not expect it to be as big as it became. It was just an idea a few parents came up with and it was supported by hundreds.”
Asked what she thought the children enjoyed most about the market, she said, “I am pretty sure it was the pocket money they made! But also being around their friends and the actual making of the products. They all were very proud to display their products.
“They loved the egg races, jumping castle, tug of war and wheelbarrow races.”
The homeschoolers are planning to make the market an annual event.
For now, they are focusing on the weekly tennis club they have started and the upcoming hike at Humbleways in Lovemore Heights this Saturday.
For more info on the homeschool community, contact Tersia Muston on 081 471 5425 or follow her blog at www.
organicmommiessa.com.
