I am the author of a recently published non-fiction book entitled "The Grenada Boys Secondary School Hostel - Reminiscing on a boarding school life in Grenada." The book is in another time (1950-1960) and another space (small island of Grenada in the West Indies), and is about a British-modeled institution that transformed adolescent boys from 'brash, crude, unhewn base metals to polished gems". Because of low absorptive capacity at home, the majority of these boys have gone on to make significant contributions to the rest of the world. The book recalls the process behind the 'alchemy', and shares it as a piece of Grenada's educational history. The keys to Hostel life were discipline and personal development - in study, play and in other aspects of social life.
The Golden Rule of the GBSS Hostel (the only written rule there was) was: "A breach of common sense is a breach of Hostel Rules".
In comparison to today's boarding schools,questions arise: are there parallels between the experiences of four decades ago and today
(facilities; experiences)? Can the Grenada experience teach anything to today’s institutions? Is there a continuing need to channel young energy – into positive streams - with discipline, engagement, sports and study which then combine to shape the persons approach to life and adulthood?
This book is well worth reading!