This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
Boarding Schools: A Colonial Relic or a Necessity? ¶
Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary-General Wilson Sossion has sparked debate with his opinion piece calling for the abolition of boarding schools. Published on August 7, 2020, Sossion argued that boarding schools are a colonial relic that no longer serve the needs of modern children.
However, Nyakundi Report disagrees with Sossion's stance, citing the benefits of boarding schools. For instance, students who live in school campuses tend to be more disciplined than their day-scholar counterparts, as they are forced to make decisions about their personal welfare early on.
Boarding schools also provide a distraction-free environment, allowing students to devote more time to their studies. Additionally, co-curricular activities such as sports and choir practices take place within the school premises, giving students ample opportunities to develop their skills.
Furthermore, boarding schools are a great leveler, as students from different backgrounds come together to share meals, wear the same uniform, and perform chores. This helps to break down class barriers and prepares students for the merit-based work environment.
While Sossion's concerns about the negative impact of boarding schools are valid, Nyakundi Report argues that a more nuanced approach is needed. Rather than abolishing boarding schools, the government and parents should work together to address the issues plaguing these institutions, such as high costs and the need for reform.
Ultimately, boarding schools will likely wither and die on their own as parents and the government struggle to afford them. However, this process will take time, and in the meantime, Nyakundi Report believes that boarding schools have a vital role to play in shaping the minds of future generations.
