The Risks and Benefits of Boarding Schools in South America, Africa and South-East Asia

This study examines the risks and benefits of boarding schools for children South America, Africa and South-East Asia. Using a mixed-methods approach, both qualitative and quantitative was data gathered through literature review and interviews with key stakeholders, including Save the Children staff and country programme experts. The data was assessed and analysed using the five dimensions of Save the Children’s Quality Learning Framework (QLF) – emotional and psychosocial protection, physical protection, teaching and learning, parental and community involvement, and school policy and regulation. Factors such as age, gender, disabilities, and other vulnerabilities have been further explored.
Save the Children is committed to ensuring all children have access to safe learning environments and family-based care. However, in many regions, limited education access forces children into boarding schools or facilities, where concerns about inadequate protection and support persist. Boarding schools provide both education and housing, often serving as the only viable option for children’s education in rural areas with limited schooling access. However, these institutions vary widely, from government-funded, religious, and special-needs institutions to elite academies and low-regulated facilities, each with differing levels of oversight and student welfare.
While these institutions provide learning opportunities, they often lack the necessary safeguards for children’s protection and well-being, making it difficult to enhance education outcomes without compromising safety and emotional well-being. The research highlights that while boarding schools can expand access to education in remote areas, they also present challenges related to emotional distress, physical safety, and academic pressures. Based on our findings, boarding schools should be considered a last resort, with priority given to community-based solutions that provide more sustainable and supportive environments. Strengthening local schools with better resources, family engagement, and inclusive education policies can help reduce the need for boarding schools and mitigate the risks of separation. However, where boarding schools remain necessary, improving governance, staff training, and safeguarding measures is essential to ensure they offer a secure and inclusive learning experience.