Boarding schools for toddlers and preschoolers are gaining popularity in Lesotho, driven by economic pressures and the country’s high migration rates. Many parents, particularly lower-skilled workers, leave their children behind to seek better-paying jobs in neighboring South Africa. These schools, like the Child Guidance Center (CGC) in Maseru, offer care, education, and lodging, making them a preferred option over hiring nannies. However, concerns about the psychological impact on young children, including homesickness and anxiety, are growing. Experts argue that children under five need close parental care for proper emotional development, with some warning that early boarding could negatively impact mental health. Despite these risks, parents struggling with financial instability view boarding schools as a safer, more stable option.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA