THE EDITOR, Sir:I WAS astounded by a letter that was published in your September 26 issue of The Gleaner which aimed to derail the expansion of boarding schools. I will not criticise the writer. Instead, I am forced to sing the virtues of boarding schools. I strongly agree with the recent call to increase the number of boarding schools. Apart from the outstanding academic achievements, enviable qualities are instilled in boarders. Qualities such as proper etiquette, good hygiene, communication skills, moral values and respect for others are inculcated.
A better Jamaica would evolve if more students were exposed during their formative years to an environment that promotes sound education, social skills and cultural awareness. The worth of independence, responsibility, self-confidence, motivation, decision-making, planning and organisational skills that a student acquires at a boarding institution cannot be overlooked. Our country is crying out for an influx of young people with these attributes.
In addition to enjoying the benefits of serious education and dedicating significantly more time to their studies, boarding school students participate more in extra-curricular activities than other students. As much emphasis is placed upon character development and growth as on academic success. Present day Jamaica would be blessed to have more rounded young people entering the society. Children who attend boarding schools learn how to live and learn independently and self-reliantly. They develop the skills necessary for success in college and the working world. A coveted accomplishment of a boarder is the ability to come to grips with his/her individuality and to accept himself/herself.
Many of the prevailing negative stereotypes concerning boarding schools are untrue. A survey would reveal that a great majority of boarding school students and alumni are overwhelmingly satisfied with the boarding experience. The expansion of boarding schools would be very beneficial to the Jamaican society. High school graduates entering the mainstream society with firm personal and moral values, an excellent education and most likely a philanthropic spirit, can never be wrong for Jamaica.
Long live boarding schools and blessings for my alma mater, Westwood High School.
I am, etc.,
CLAUDIA BURNETT, B.Sc., MBA
caburn20@optonline.net
Long Island, New York
Via Go-Jamaica
