by Wayne Leon Learmond

Created on: May 28, 2010   Last Updated: June 20, 2011

What is the definition of education?  Different people have different ways in which they define education. Some believe that education can only be learned in state-run schools, colleges and universities. It is in those places were we may learn, and gain our certificates that prove we have learned what we have learned. Good-quality education can only be taught in such places...or can it?

Education covers a broad spectrum. Others may believe that education is simply life, and that we must learn every aspect of life as we grow. There are some people who have never received a full-time education in any sort of school at all, but have learned the 'family way', ie: they may have entered into a trade that has been passed down from one generation of the family to the next.

Such people can be found everywhere - from sportsmen and women, fishermen, artists, writers, musicians, fruit or clothes stall holders, or antique collectors - to name but a few.  A prime example of this can normally be found in the gypsy community, whose children do not attend full time mainstream education. Rather, in the travelling community their trade is passed down over the years, (the trade being fairground rides or tinkers).

Many people may not have recognised educational certificates as such, but what they all seem to possess is a 'gift' of some sort. This gift, or natural talent, means that they can get by in life just fine. This is without having the certificates one needs to gain mainstream employment as we know it, whether that may be in an office or bank. Education does not mean any one thing but rather, it encompasses a whole range of subjects.  Indeed, many people just seem to be naturally-gifted in one subject or another, and will naturally navigate toward that subject..

This does not mean that any one person has the right to put down another, simply because they have not had a school, college or even a university education.  Rather, it is each to their own. The definition of education is a broad spectrum that covers a whole range of genres,ideals and subjects.

Educational certificates -  although they may be very useful in gaining employment in an office, or court of law, or any other mainstream employment agency - are useless when it comes to working on stalls, or creating a piece of art using wood, or metal, or communicating with people in the right way.

Although, by the law of the land our children have to attend full-time school,

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