EDUCATION
On a popular Facebook support group for working women, Wendy [not her real name] recently made a heartfelt post seeking recommendations for a good school for her young son who was enduring bullying from peers and harsh discipline by one of the teachers. Wendy's plight is all too familiar, especially with the start of a new school year beckoning. The million-dollar question that arises is: What makes a good school? Is it the grades? Is it the happiness and wellbeing of the child? In the search for answers to these pivotal questions, msafiri spoke to Dr Mercy Igoki Racham, an academic registrar at Agha Khan University and a certified educational consultant, career and parenting coach, to get insights that would help make the transition to a new school easier for both parents and children.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO SCHOOL A CHILD
What are the major challenges that children face at school and as they grow up, and how can parents and schools support them so that they get the most from their learning?
DR MERCY: In my experience of working with children and parents, one of the challenges that children face (both in and out of school) is low self-esteem, especially when the environment at home and school is not an enabling one. Children from broken homes and homes with a history of violence also face challenges coping and may suffer depression
