Rebuilding the Hong Kong Homeschool Association: A Message from Dr. Lai

Dear Homeschool Educators and the cherished friends I’ve invited into this group,

When I founded this group and the Hong Kong Homeschool Association in 2023, my vision was simple: to create a space where homeschool educators could support one another with respect, kindness, and shared purpose. And for a long time, that’s exactly what we had—a community built on trust, encouragement, and a deep commitment to the growth of homeschooling in Hong Kong.

In my efforts to further strengthen our mission, I invited several non-homeschool educators into our group, with the hope that their professional strengths and selfless support would enhance the growth and unity of our association. Many of them have indeed been generous, insightful, and deeply committed—especially our Homeschool Education Talks speakers, who volunteered their time and wisdom to empower our community without expecting anything in return.

However, I must acknowledge that a small number of individuals introduced behaviors that disrupted the harmony we had worked so diligently to cultivate. Gossip, manipulation, and divisive tactics began to surface—motivated not by a spirit of service, but by personal agendas. These were not mere disagreements; they were actions that undermined trust, fractured unity, and diverted us from our shared mission. Witnessing this was deeply painful, and at one point, I felt compelled to step away from both the group and my leadership role within the Hong Kong Homeschool Association, disheartened by the darker side of human nature that had emerged.

But the unwavering support and encouragement from our homeschool educators reminded me of the true heart of this community. After careful reflection, I recognized that the negativity came from only a small minority. More than 90% of the non-homeschool educators I invited are outstanding individuals—dedicated, generous, and genuinely committed to our cause.

Now, I am taking deliberate steps to restore the original spirit of this association—a spirit rooted in love, respect, and mutual empowerment. These actions are not personal; they are necessary. They are for the good of the Hong Kong Homeschool Association and for every member who believes in what we stand for.

Please be patient as we rebuild. Together, we will continue to grow stronger, wiser, and more united than ever before. Let us continue building a community where every voice is valued, and every educator—homeschool or not—is united by a common purpose: empowering the next generation.

With gratitude and resolve, 

Dr. Lai