Residential schools are
becoming a new trend in society. Their numbers are increasing every day, which
make us think if it is a need of general society or for people who live in
luxury? In India , many people can barely afford cost of basic education, I
wonder how these residential schools charge high fees, as much as few lakhs of
rupees.
We can say that
residential schools are modern and more glamorous ‘avatar’ of boarding schools.
If we think why
residential schools are coming up; we can point out to the fact that land is
becoming costlier in cities, so schools are compelled to move to distant areas.
As a result, for such schools, residential facility becomes compulsory.
Parenting is becoming difficult day by day due
to growing costs. Nuclear families are becoming a common sight. Nowadays where both
parents are busy in their respective careers to keep up with their lifestyle
and expenses. These parents feel guilty for not giving enough time to their
child and to negate that guilt they want to give the best of everything to
their child - even the schools. As society is developing their expectations
from children are also increasing. Children are becoming smarter, faster and
inquisitive. Nowadays, special schools are available for toddlers. Children are under stress from a very young age.
Many times, children succumb under this pressure. Today’s child spends maximum
time in school and classes, remaining time on TV, computer (facebook, orkut)
and also Mobiles (iphone, blackberry), with very little to no time for hobbies, sports, extra curriculum activities.
Residential schools seem to be an answer for this. In residential school a child’s
day is planed in such a way that he/she can give quality time to study, sports
and extracurricular activities. Children also participate in social activities.
In residential school
children understand responsibility well. They start respecting others view,
lifestyle and thoughts. They understand integrity of interpersonal relationship
and become independent. These schools help to shape child’s personality in all dimensions.
As long as residential schools actually provide a warm amiable and growth
oriented environment to students and provide/ maintain one to one contact with
students and teachers, student can be greatly benefited. However today many
mediocre schools have crowded this arena and are providing a low quality
service which raises alarms.
However, there is
always a chance that children get detached from parents emotionally. Children
can also develop some harmful behavior traits with wrong peers. Most importantly
these schools are not for everyone’s pocket and can be a pressure point for
parents who are working hard to meet their ends.
After weighing pros and
cons, it can be concluded that residential school is good option for those who
can afford it, but for sure is not an absolute need.
Dr. Shreya Udare
Career Counsellor
EduGroomers
