In this episode, we talk with Ben Feliz (14) and Addison Harding (13), home-educated children and contributors to the anthology “Hidden Voices Speak.” Addison came up with the idea for the book, Ben designed the cover, and they worked together with others to publish it. Both care deeply about children’s rights and wanted to respond to recent news stories and new UK legislation affecting home education.

They discuss the motivation behind the anthology, which was to give home-educated children and families a chance to share their experiences directly. Addison notes, "Nowhere in the bill do they ask what the child thinks," highlighting the lack of young voices in education policy discussions.

Ben has always been home educated; Addison has experience in both school and home education. They describe learning based on curiosity and individual interests. The book includes contributions from both children and adults. This conversation provides a direct account of home education from young people who live it every day.

🔗  Relevant links

• Buy the book and support Ben and Addison: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hidden-Voices-Speak-Anthology-Educated/dp/B0F3DP9KQZ 
• X.com page for the book: https://x.com/hidvoicesspeak 
• Learn more about the Homeducation Family Festival where Ben and Addison gave a talk: https://hefestivals.co.uk/

If you want to know more about the political aspects of Home Education in the UK, then we recommend that you listen to our episodes with Randall Hardy

• http://theconrad.family/selfdirected33
• http://theconrad.family/selfdirected44

🗓️ Recorded August 5th, 2025. 📍 The Addisons, Whityham, UK

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