My Dream School Hostel

One thing that has always bothered me is the "school hostel." During this lockdown, I finally had the chance to share my vision of an ideal hostel. 

Everyone talks about the declining "quality of education," and I believe one contributing factor is our poorly equipped hostels. To me, the design and environment of a hostel are crucial in shaping young students' attitudes and behavior. Unfortunately, this issue is often ignored, and the blame is shifted to our curriculum and teachers.

My experience with hostel rooms was terrible. I don't even want to recall the toilet conditions from my school days. Constant water shortages threatened our health, and we often went months without proper bathing. My school days were absolutely horrible, and I feel pain when I remember the cold winter months spent in hostels without proper doors and windows. I used to dread nightfall. Beyond quality issues, the well-being of young and fragile students was never considered. Learning goes far beyond classroom teaching, and we've failed to use millions of government funds and foreign aid wisely.

While improving hostels may initially be costly for the government, it's worth the investment. Boarding students spend almost 10 months a year studying and learning various aspects of life, so school hostels should be as welcoming and safe as home. If my concept for school dormitory design resonates with planners and the education department, it could be a game changer. I'm sharing my personal experiences honestly, both as a former student and as a current teacher.

 

My design for the hostel features a cozy environment. Given the unpredictable nature of natural disasters, my dormitory is a two-storey building with ample space between two apartments. Designers need to pay close attention to the height of the stairs or steps, room height, and ceiling, which are often overlooked.

 

My dorm design required practical information, such as the maximum number of boarding students over the past 10 years. I've thoughtfully considered the needs of future generations. Each room can accommodate 8-10 students and is well-furnished with wall-mounted bunk beds, cubicles for books, cupboards for storage, study tables in the center, two toilets, one bathroom, two washbasins, and a mirror. Essential features also include accessible laundry facilities, proper lighting, and an ideal hostel location.

 

Therefore, I strongly believe that if these improvements are implemented, not only will the quality of education improve, but it will also help reduce school dropouts and instill a sense of ownership in students from the very beginning.