PAT FARENGA
A Conversation About Ivan Illich, Author of Deschooling Society
In his time working with John Holt on the magazine Living Without Growing, Pat got to know Ivan Illich and learn more about his work.
Patrick Farenga is deeply connected to the legacy of the renowned educator John Holt, and his work is marked by his unwavering commitment to empowering learners. John Holt founded Growing Without Schooling magazine in 1977, a seminal publication that ushered in a radical shift in perceptions of education beyond the confines of traditional school settings. Pat joined GWS in 1981 and, following Holt's passing in 1985, assumed the mantle of leadership, shepherding the magazine through a transformative era until it ceased publication in 2001. A prolific writer and publisher, Pat's contributions span a diverse array of genres, from speeches and books to articles and videos, enriching the discourse on homeschooling and unschooling. Pat preserves and disseminates Holt's works, ensuring that his revolutionary ideas continue to shape the educational landscape for generations to come. Recent titles such as Teach Your Own (Hachette, 2021) and Growing Without Schooling, Vol. 5 (HoltGWS, 2023) exemplify his ongoing commitment to advancing self-directed and child-centered learning practices.
