In Maseru, Lesotho, the Child Guidance Center (CGC) is a small school that provides care and education for toddlers and preschoolers. This is a response to the growing trend of working-class parents in Lesotho who are seeking employment in neighbouring countries, such as South Africa, and need a safe and affordable place to leave their children. The boarding schools for toddlers, like CGC, have become a popular option for parents who feel they have few alternatives. CGC charges a monthly fee of 2,500 South African rand ($144) which covers classes, lodging, food, and general care for the children.
Lesotho has a high unemployment rate of 16.5 percent, and many people, particularly lower-skilled workers, migrate to South Africa in search of better job opportunities. This has led to a significant number of households in Lesotho having at least one member living away from home. Remittances from these migrant workers contribute about 23 percent to Lesotho’s GDP. Parents seeking employment in South Africa often leave their children behind and enroll them in boarding schools like CGC, as they feel it is a safer option than leaving them with nannies or relatives.
Parents staying in Lesotho also find boarding schools to be a viable solution, especially when they cannot be with their children due to work obligations. Boarding schools provide a safe and structured environment for children, offering education and development opportunities that may not be available with nannies. However, there are concerns about the mental and emotional effects of separating young children from their families at such an early age. Experts warn about the negative impact on children’s psychological well-being, including constant illness, homesickness, and unbalanced emotions.
While boarding schools like CGC provide counseling services for children dealing with family problems, some argue that toddlers and preschoolers are too young for formal mental health processes. UNICEF recommends against boarding schools for children under 14 years of age, citing the potential damage to their development and family relationships. However, for parents who are migrating to pursue better opportunities, the choice of leaving their children in boarding schools is often a difficult one. NGOs like Action Lesotho call for systemic changes to address the root causes of migration, such as improving the minimum wage and promoting small-scale businesses to provide alternative sources of income.
In Lesotho, the issue of parents leaving their children behind while seeking better opportunities in other countries is a complex challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach. While boarding schools like CGC offer a practical solution for parents with limited options, concerns remain about the long-term impact on children’s well-being. By addressing systemic issues like low wages and lack of economic opportunities, the government and NGOs can work together to create a more sustainable environment where families are not forced to make difficult choices between economic security and their children’s well-being.
