All government and private schools will be allowed to start boarding facilities with effect from 2017 academic session, an executive order from education ministry says.
This order revokes the boarding policy of 1995 which discontinued boarding facilities in urban schools to discourage rural-urban migration and reduce urban overcrowding.
But, it has not contributed to solve the problem.
“If we allow boarding facilities in urban schools, our children, who are not properly taken care of after the school hours, would now be guided by the schools,” said the education ministry’s School Reform Program Coordinator, Kaka.
He also said revoking of the rule would solve many youth related issues.
Kaka said there are rules schools will have to abide by to have boarding facilities.
There should be separate boarding facilities for male and female students.
Boarding infrastructures should be strong, safe and secure.
“There should be a hostel manager or warden or a matron to properly guide the students.”
The coordinator also said they would encourage private schools to have a small infirmary within the school compound so that children have quick access to health services.
