Boarding has taught me survival skills, says 17-yr-old

Meet 17-year-old Abubakar. He has been boarding for six years now — three years of which have been spent in the UAE.

With his parents living back in his home country, Nigeria, he took up residence at Repton School Dubai in September 2016.

But Abubakar is well versed in the concept of boarding, as it is quite a “traditional practice” back in Nigeria. Initially, however, he said he was hesitant to make the transition.

“The thought of living with people I’d never met before was a little daunting. I didn’t want to go and I argued the point with my parents,” he told Khaleej Times.

But what boarding has taught him now is a set of “survival skills”.

“I’ve become part of a community and it’s been very beneficial for my self development. Even if my parents lived in Dubai, I’d still want to board.”

Coming from the senior section of the school, Abubakar resides in a single room, but shares a kitchen and common room with his peers.

“A typical school day sees me wake at around 6-6.30am where I get breakfast and register myself for the day.

“After a full day in school, dinner time usually hits at 5.30pm, then at 6pm we have quiet time to study and do homework.

“That usually ends at around 7.15pm then we have free time up to 9pm. I usually play football, but we have a basketball court, a gym, as well as a music room.”

And though the living arrangements are “structured”, Abubakar said the free time allows students time out for themselves.

What he enjoys the most though is the mix of peers he is living with.

“The majority of boarders have parents living out of the country so we have become a family. One of my best friends is from Kazakhstan and I have learnt so much about his country.”

And with all the “hate in the world right now”, he said it’s great to be able to sit down with others as it instills a sense of respect for other cultures and backgrounds.

I’ve become part of a community and it’s been very beneficial for my self development. Even if my parents lived in Dubai, I’d still want to board.” Abubakar, student, Repton School Dubai