Boarding schools - a review

 In the post pandemic era, the boarding schools are up and running after a long hiatus. While the ministry of education is striving to bring normalcy and a better educational system, recent deaths in boarding schools across the country are agonizing the parents. The number of students committing suicide and lost due to negligence is alarming. 

The boarding schools should have a valid license for running a hostel. Though the boarding schools are evidently focused on infrastructure and academics , we often overlook the safety and pastoral care, which should be imbibed in the school's policies. Safety is not only security from external threats but also internal threats like teachers or staffs who mishandle students and situations. 

If only had the boarding school in Ponneri responded attentively to the student's health, a 17 year old would now be alive. The student had suffered from food poisoning after having the hostel's food and was only given first aid in an inhouse facility, neglecting the severity of the health issue. The boarding faculties should be regularly monitoring the hostel's food and hygiene in the kitchen. 

Another school in Kallakurichi had been operating hostel without a suitable license, where a class 12 student was found dead. When we analyse these incidents in depth, it is noticeable that schools have shortcomings but they are trying to portray a positive picture of themselves in the soceity. At times, the reputation of a school is upheld and the institutions remain tight-lipped about unfortunate incidents. 

Parents seek boarding schools to avoid travelling long distance for quality education and extra tuitions. Some boarding schools have a holistic curriculum, providing academic as well as extracurricular activities. It is the ultimate responsibility of parents to look for schools with a proper set-up. 

A guideline to parents seeking boarding schools:

• Experts say that your child should be  at least ten years of age, before attending boarding schools. It should also be noted that every child is different and it is crucial to discuss the process with your children beforehand. 

• The hostels run by the school should possess a valid license. There should be a considerate schedule, aiding the students' personal growth and academics. The regulations should not be too stringent nor the punishments be oppressive.

• Speak to alumni and students, visit the school directly to find if the school provides the kind of environment that you are seeking for your child and whether it suits your child’s personality.

• Find out how many days the children are allowed to visit the parents or vice versa. Some schools may allow students to visit during the weekends, while others allow visits once in a while. Hence, make sure the school fits your needs. 

• Children take time to adapt to a new environment. The schools should be prepared to face their initial home-sickness. The parents should also be ready to cope with the absence of their child at home. 

• Teach your kids to communicate and tackle adverse situations like bullying, sexual harassment, unwanted romantic advances, etc. The school should have counselling centres to assist the students and facilitate communication. 

Above all, the child's opinion matters and no arrangement is permanent. The parents have unparalleled responsibility towards the children, even after sending them to boarding schools. Regular visits and communication with the child is indispensable in ensuring the child's well-being.