This archive report was first published on 3 September 2019.
At the age of 10, Bien Baraza was sent to boarding school, a decision that would have a lasting impact on his life. In a recent interview, he revealed how this experience shaped his views on education and parenting.
According to Baraza, being taken away from his parents at a young age created a significant gap between them, and in many cases, such children end up growing up into 'bad people.' He believes that this is because parents who send their children to boarding school are essentially running away from their parental responsibilities.
Baraza's story has gone viral, and many Kenyans have shared their own experiences with boarding schools. Some, like Marian, agree that boarding schools have become a convenient option for parents who want to feel better about their absence in their children's lives. Others, like Hellen, have had positive experiences and believe that boarding schools are not the only path to good results.
However, many others, like Sherry, have shared traumatic experiences with boarding schools, including waking up at 4 am to be beaten for exams. They believe that this type of treatment can have long-lasting effects on a child's mental health and well-being.
As for Baraza, he is now a vocal anti-boarding school activist. He believes that children should be raised at home, where they can receive the love and care they need to thrive. He argues that this approach would prevent many of the problems associated with boarding schools, including school arson and other forms of delinquency.
Baraza's story serves as a reminder of the importance of parental involvement in a child's education. By sharing his personal experience, he hopes to raise awareness about the potential risks of boarding schools and encourage parents to take a more active role in their children's lives.
