Providing Adventist homeschooling in an adversarial environment : a case study in Augustem

Abstract

The Problem: In Augustem, Adventist families face considerable obstacles accessing faith-based education due to the prevailing secular and anti-Christian educational landscape. Though some families have found a way to do this, the researcher could not find in the literature any rich descriptions of how the families managed to provide Adventist education for their children. The Method: Through case study design, this research investigated the operation of three Adventist homeschools and a homeschooling co-op in the adverse political context of Augustem. This research employed qualitative data collection methods through in-depth interviews, observation, FGD, and document analysis. The Findings: This case study revealed five key themes: the diversity of Augustem Adventist Homeschooling (AAH) models; the strong faith-based drive towards holistic spiritual, intellectual, social, and physical growth; flexible, family-centered learning practices integrating faith; the critical role of faith, community support, and parental commitment in sustaining AAH; and finally, the resilience and adaptability of AAH families in navigating challenges within a less-than-supportive environment. The research provided valuable insights and resources for understanding and supporting similar faith-based educational initiatives. The conclusion: This study highlighted the complexities and resilience of Adventist homeschooling in Augustem, emphasizing the critical role of faith, community, and adaptable strategies in a challenging educational environment. It explored various instructional modes that strived to balance holistic physical, mental, spiritual, and social development, underscoring key elements like a deep commitment to faith, strong faith-based community support, and flexible homeschooling approaches. These elements enabled families to overcome obstacles and achieve positive outcomes, providing insights for other faith-based communities facing similar challenges. By addressing the lack of descriptive literature, the study illuminated these families’ motivations, challenges, and adaptive strategies, revealing the dynamic nature of Adventist homeschooling. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of these instructional modalities and coping strategies in different contexts.