The Home Education Network Inc (HEN) is the largest, most vocal alternative education support group in Victoria.
HEN has its origins in the Alternative Education Resource Group (AERG) which was formed in 1980 by a small group of concerned parents wanting alternatives to mainstream education for their children. Initially the group was very involved in community schools but gradually the main focus moved to home education and the name of the group was changed to the Home Education Network
Most of our members today are actively home-educating their children. HEN promotes local groups of home educators who organise group activities and classes as well as providing support to members.
HEN is based in Victoria and most of our members are Victorian but we welcome interstate members also.
The Home Education Network supports the United Nations’ Declaration of the Rights of the Child
Home Education Network Mission Statement
As home educators, we believe that children have an innate curiosity to learn and grow and, when given the freedom and support of family and friends, they will have the best opportunity to reach their full potential.
We are dedicated to raising self-motivated, broad-minded, confident, competent, independent, passionately alive people.
Home education empowers children and young adults to discover their potential unencumbered by arbitrary authorities. It promotes the love of life-long learning.
Home education provides broad socialisation through networking with a diverse group of people of varying age and social backgrounds. The Home Education Network recognises that true socialisation begins with acceptance and growth within one’s own family and a naturally widening circle as children grow older. It aims to provide additional social opportunities for home educating families to encourage mutual support amongst home educating families and access to like-minded people as well as support and encouragement to enquiring families.
Home Education Network Statement of Purposes
- HEN aims to make information on Home Education accessible to the general public via newsletters, website, phone and personal contacts.
- HEN aims to support a network of contacts for those people wishing to educate their children from a home base.
HEN has developed an Information Sheet for people considering home education:
Home Education Information Sheet (InformationSheet.pdf, 638Kb)
Otherways magazine is published quarterly. The magazine is sent to members and is also available as single issues for $10 per issue.
You can join HEN (and receive Otherways as well as becoming a part of the home-education network).
Contact HEN at:
Home Education Network
P.O. Box 153
SUNBURY VIC 3429
Phone: 03 9517 7107