@C_NyaKundiH recently highlighted the absurdity of studying in boarding schools, pointing out that in most leading secondary schools, children are in class by 4:30–5:00 AM and remain in lessons until 10:00–10:30 PM. In some schools, the situation is even worse.

 The post argues that we need to move forward towards practical skills and embracing the digital age. Instead, cramming is dragging students into an outdated system that no longer serves them. These students are then labeled as half-baked or unemployable because they lack the necessary skills to thrive in the real world—where grades don’t pay the bills, but skills do.

Some Benefits of Boarding Schools

Boarding schools teach self-reliance by assigning students responsibilities like cleaning, laundry, and time management. These duties help instill discipline and independence from a young age.

They also foster lifelong friendships and networks. Students bond over shared experiences, creating a sense of camaraderie that can last a lifetime.

The structured environment minimizes distractions. With fewer external influences, students can focus on academics and extracurricular activities.

A Firsthand Experience of Boarding School Hardships

I remember one particularly exhausting evening when fatigue got the best of me. In a desperate attempt to steal a few moments of rest, I laid my head down in the dormitory, only to wake up in a dark, eerily silent room.

My evening break had passed, and everyone had already eaten and gone to class. What baffled me most was how no one, including the dormitory cop, noticed my absence. Worse still, the dormitory had been locked.

The punishment? Hauling my mattress and blanket to the parade ground and covering myself with them the entire day. I wished it were a cold season; at least that would have been a worthy punishment for the countless sleepless nights. But under the scorching sun, I felt like an egg frying on hot pavement.

I had no choice but to attend class. But I wasn’t in class—I was trapped, with only one way out.

I have never been petite, but astalavista! The only escape route was through the tiny washroom window. A miraculous condensation of my body needed to happen for me to squeeze through.

Alas! I managed—an act that made me believe in miracles.

This was just one of many instances in which boarding school life was an exhausting cycle of always being on the go. We were constantly running—running to class, running to eat hurriedly, running to avoid punishment. Even Home Science students weren’t spared, often seen stitching during school meetings, desperately trying to meet deadlines.

The Disadvantages of Boarding Schools

The grueling schedule leaves little room for rest. Students barely get enough sleep, leading to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Boarding schools prioritize rote learning over practical skills. While students excel in exams, they graduate without essential life skills needed in today’s job market.

Punishments can be extreme and dehumanizing. Instead of fostering discipline through guidance, many schools use fear-based tactics that leave emotional scars.

By confining students in a rigid, outdated system, boarding schools isolate them from the evolving world. The lack of exposure to technology, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship skills makes it harder for them to transition into adulthood.

Many students experience homesickness, loneliness, and emotional distress. The constant competition and rigid rules can create an environment of stress and mental exhaustion.

Do the Benefits Outweigh the Disadvantages?

Boarding and secondary schools are both wonderful. But students are different, and parents should consider this before choosing a school.

For example, why do parents send young children who are yet to be self-reliant to boarding schools just because of their busy schedules?

Education should evolve with time, focusing on skills that prepare students for real-world challenges. The future is not about memorizing pages from a textbook but about adaptability, creativity, and innovation.

Until boarding schools embrace this shift, they may continue to do more harm than good. Should we rethink our education system before it does more damage?