{"id":19408,"date":"2024-02-26T10:00:56","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T08:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/pretoria\/?p=19408"},"modified":"2024-02-22T12:18:35","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T10:18:35","slug":"inspired-by-growth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/pretoria\/blog\/2024\/02\/26\/inspired-by-growth\/","title":{"rendered":"Inspired by growth"},"content":{"rendered":"

Everyone knows the feeling. That knot in your tummy when you\u2019re dropped off at school. Louise Schoonwinkel gets it. That\u2019s why she\u2019s the powerhouse behind a brand that lets kids study at their own pace, wherever and whenever they want.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

A self-proclaimed numbers-nerd, Louise Schoonwinkel loves crunching numbers and solving equations. But, don\u2019t think she\u2019s just wired for numbers – she\u2019s all about the people too! Back in her days as a CA, she discovered her knack for coaching and guiding younger trainees.<\/p>\n

Since then, she\u2019s always found herself in roles focused on training and development. There\u2019s just something about empowering others and watching them thrive that keeps her hooked. So, when Louise was asked to project manage the development an online learning system for Optimi a few years back, she jumped right in and hasn\u2019t looked back since.<\/p>\n

These days, she\u2019s the MD of Optimi Home in Centurion – right in the heart of learning and development. They offer homeschooling and online schooling to more than\u00a030 000 learners in SA and beyond, from Grade R up to matric.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot only is it such a rewarding career in the sense that we get to make a real difference in so many young lives, but no two days are ever the same. From strategy sessions and client meetings to stakeholder management and product development. I just love working with so many different people and motivating teams to reach\u00a0 audacious goals.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why homeschooling? you might wonder. Louise explains it\u2019s all about flexibility and personalised attention. And it\u2019s not just for kids who don\u2019t fit the traditional school mold.<\/p>\n

Sometimes families choose it because there\u2019s no space in their preferred school, or they live in an area without nearby schools. It\u2019s also great for families who travel a lot or have kids in competitive sports or arts. And contrary to popular belief, Optimi\u2019s learners are just as social and academically successful as those in mainstream schools.<\/p>\n

And if you\u2019re worried about your child missing out on social interactions, don\u2019t be. With homeschooling, they\u2019ll have plenty of chances to make friends and be part of a community. As for academics, rest assured they follow the same curriculum as mainstream schools and obtain the same matric certificate accepted worldwide.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest misconception is that learners who opt for alternative schooling are just straight up anti-social. We host a matric farewell for our learners every year, and there is no difference between the social behaviour of these learners and those who go to mainstream schools.\u201d<\/p>\n

But homeschooling isn\u2019t just about hitting the books. It\u2019s about creating a supportive environment where learners can explore their interests and develop their skills, all in their own time. And that\u2019s exactly what Louise and the team is all about. And if you\u2019re thinking … can working parents homeschool? For sure! With options like tutors and online schools, it\u2019s totally doable. Louise goes on to say that alternative schooling doesn\u2019t have to be difficult and overwhelming – you just need the right support system, like Optimi Home\u2019s Impaq.<\/p>\n

When Louise isn\u2019t doing her thing at work, she\u2019s your typical momma who just loves spending time with her husband, Richardt and kids, 10-year-old Chris and 7-year-old Emma. A social butterfly, she\u2019ll always have time for friends and family. Top it off with a delish meal and a bottle or two of good wine, and you\u2019ve made her day!<\/p>\n

Louise also never says no to a good workout, whether it\u2019s yoga, pilates, strength training, or HIIT. On the topic of self-care … shopping! Louise loves pretty clothes, and a pair of sassy shoes is her ultimate weakness.<\/p>\n

How does she juggle it all? Well, if there\u2019s anything she\u2019s learned, it\u2019s this … \u201cI can\u2019t do it all on my own and it\u2019s ok to ask for help. Secondly, planning is key, but plans change. I try to plan as much as I can, but sometimes life happens, and that\u2019s ok too. Let\u2019s just say my Outlook calendar is my best friend. And lastly, I try to be present. I don\u2019t try to do everything at once and I dedicate my full attention to the task at hand. Whether at home or at work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just like with the kids at Optimi, she wants the best for her own kids too \u2013 teaching them to always be grateful for what they have, and to look at life through a solution-based lens. What\u2019s next for Louise and Optimi Home? Well, they\u2019re just getting started. Day by day, and kid by kid, they are paving the way for even greater things!<\/p>\n

Details: Follow @optimiplustore on Facebook and @optimi_plus on Insta<\/em><\/p>\n

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Top 7 homeschooling tips<\/strong><\/p>\n