Homeschooling on the Mission Field: What 10 Years in Ghana Taught Me

I remember one afternoon in Ghana, trying to explain fractions to our youngest while Laura was out at the market. A chicken had wandered into the house, which was already a fairly common distraction, but then it decided to peck at the math book. I just sat there, looking at the chicken, then at my son, then at the half-eaten page. That moment, as absurd as it was, summed up a lot about homeschooling on the mission field for us. It’s never neat, it’s rarely quiet, and it almost always involves a degree of improvisation you wouldn’t find back home.

For my wife, Laura, and me, homeschooling wasn’t just a preferred educational method; it became the only viable path for our children’s learning here in West Africa. We’ve been planting churches in Ghana for years, and the reality of life on the field means making adjustments in almost every area, especially when it comes to raising a family. There are no easy answers, but there are principles that have seen us through.

Why Homeschooling on the Mission Field Isn’t Always a Choice

When we first felt the call to Ghana, Laura and I knew there would be sacrifices. However, we just didn’t realize how quickly those would extend to things like school options. Back home, you’ve got public schools, private schools, and a whole spectrum of homeschooling resources. Here, in the villages where we work, those options simply don’t exist in a way that aligns with our family’s needs or educational standards.

The local schools often face significant challenges: overcrowded classrooms, a severe lack of resources, and a curriculum that might not prepare our kids for future studies if they eventually return to the States. Furthermore, the language barrier can be immense. While our children have learned some Twi, their primary education needs to be in English. Safety and cultural differences also play a part. We want our children immersed in the culture, but we also have a responsibility to protect them and ensure they receive a solid, Biblically-based education.

So, for many missionary families, including ours, homeschooling isn’t a “choice” in the American sense of the word. Instead, it’s the practical, often essential, way to ensure our kids get the education they need while living out the calling God has placed on our lives. It’s a commitment that requires dedication, patience, and a whole lot of prayer, but it’s also deeply rewarding to watch our children grow in knowledge and faith right alongside our ministry work.

This commitment is part of the whole package when you give your life to missions. It’s the kind of dedication that fuels the passion we talk about on Missionary on Fire. You give your all, and that includes figuring out how your kids are going to learn long division when the power is out and the internet is down.

The Daily Grind: Structure, Curriculum, and Flexibility

A typical homeschooling day for us in Ghana looks… well, it looks different every day. We try for a routine, but the mission field laughs at routines. There are unexpected visitors, urgent ministry needs, power outages, and the general rhythm of West African life that moves at its own pace. Consequently, flexibility is not just a virtue; it’s a survival skill.

We’ve tried various curricula over the years. Some are great for traveling, while others are better online. We’ve learned that a mix often works best. For core subjects like math and language arts, we lean on structured programs. For history and science, we often integrate our experiences here. Learning about ancient civilizations takes on a new dimension when you’re living among people whose traditions stretch back generations.

Laura usually leads the formal lessons in the mornings. I step in when I can, especially for subjects like history or Bible. We use textbooks, workbooks, and a lot of online resources when the internet cooperates. Sometimes, school happens under a mango tree. Other times, it’s crammed into an evening after a long day of outreach. It’s not always pretty, but it’s always happening.

We’ve also learned that the “school of life” here is just as important as any textbook. Trips to the market become lessons in bartering and cultural exchange. Helping with church planting activities teaches practical skills and spiritual truths. Our kids are learning resilience, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication in ways no classroom could ever replicate. They’re growing up seeing faith in action, and that’s an education you can’t buy.

Beyond Books: The Real Education of Missionary Kids

While we strive for academic excellence, the true education our children receive on the mission field goes far beyond textbooks. Our kids are growing up as what some folks call “Third Culture Kids” or MKs, meaning they inhabit a unique space between their passport culture and the culture they live in.

They learn to speak Twi, they understand cultural nuances that most Americans never will, and they develop a global perspective from a young age. Furthermore, they see poverty firsthand, but they also see incredible joy and faith. They learn to be content with less, to adapt quickly, and to trust God in ways that aren’t always necessary in a comfortable American suburb. This kind of education is invaluable.

The Bible reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). For us, training up our children includes teaching them math and reading, but it also means immersing them in the work of the Gospel. They see us rely on God daily, they participate in ministry, and they learn what it means to live a life surrendered to Christ. That’s the most important lesson we can give them.

“The percentage of children ages 5–17 who were homeschooled increased from 3.3% in 2012 to 6.7% in 2021.”
National Center for Education Statistics

While the numbers for homeschooling are growing back home, our situation here means we’re part of a global, often unseen, movement of parents dedicated to their children’s education wherever God calls them. It’s a unique path, full of its own blessings and burdens, but one we wouldn’t trade for anything.

Navigating Challenges and Finding Support

Homeschooling on the mission field isn’t without its unique challenges. Isolation can be a real struggle, not just for the kids but for Laura too. There aren’t playdates with other homeschooling families around the corner. Therefore, finding community and support takes intentional effort.

We’ve found great encouragement through online communities of missionary families and homeschooling parents. These groups offer curriculum advice, shared experiences, and a place to vent when the chicken eats the math book. We also make an effort to connect with other missionary families in Ghana when we can, even if it means a long drive. Those times of fellowship are precious.

Another challenge is the constant change. Missionaries move, families go on furlough, and friends come and go. Our kids learn to say goodbye often. We try to prepare them for these transitions and remind them that their ultimate home is in Christ. The Apostle Paul tells us, “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). This isn’t just for adults; it’s a truth our children learn to lean on daily.

Access to resources can also be a hurdle. Shipping books is expensive and slow. Reliable internet for online learning is not a given. We’ve learned to be resourceful and make do with what we have. Sometimes that means using older textbooks or getting creative with our lessons. Websites like Blue Letter Bible have been a tremendous help for our own studies and for teaching our kids the Scriptures, providing free KJV resources wherever we can get online.

The Consford Family Approach to Homeschooling

For the Consfords, our homeschooling approach balances academic rigor with the unique opportunities of mission life. Laura handles the bulk of the teaching, ensuring they cover the necessary subjects. She’s a rock, y’all. She’s often teaching fractions while I’m out trying to fix a leaky church roof or visiting a new village. We focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic as the foundations, but we also emphasize critical thinking and independent study.

Beyond the core academics, we weave in practical life skills. Our kids help with chores, learn to cook, and understand how to manage resources in a culture where waste is not an option. They’re also deeply involved in the ministry. They come with us on visits, help set up for church services, and interact with the Ghanaian people daily. This isn’t just observation; it’s participation.

We believe that their time here, learning within the context of our ministry, is shaping them into resilient, compassionate, and globally-minded individuals. They’re not just learning about the world; they’re living in it, serving in it, and seeing God work in powerful ways. This holistic education is part of what it means to be a Missionary on Fire – it’s a whole-family commitment to God’s call.

It’s not perfect, and we have our hard days, just like any family. Nevertheless, we pray daily for wisdom, and we trust that God is guiding us in how we raise and educate our children here in Ghana. We want them to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and that’s the ultimate goal of all our teaching.

Homeschooling on the mission field is a unique journey, full of challenges and incredible blessings. It requires grit, adaptability, and an unwavering reliance on God’s grace. If you’re considering missions, or you’re already on the field wrestling with these questions, know that you’re not alone. God provides. He equips. He enables. Keep pressing forward, and trust Him with your children’s education, just as you trust Him with your ministry. Learn more about the heart behind our work and how you can get involved by visiting our Missionary on Fire page.

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