Many top schools here have a boarding programme.

I was in one for 10 weeks and found it greatly beneficial.

After staying in a boarding school, my peers and I have grown to be more mature.

We learnt independence, perseverance and self-discipline as we kept our rooms tidy.

We learnt teamwork and how to socialise, as our roommates were from other classes and had different co-curricular activities.

We were able to improve our confidence and leadership skills as well.

All these skills are necessary for students to survive in the future.

I urge more schools to implement boarding programmes.

I recognise that there may be space constraints or a lack of resources. Perhaps schools can collaborate and pool their resources.

The Government could also reserve funds to build hostels near school compounds.

Bernard Kwee Tze Wei, 15

Secondary 3 student

CALLING YOUNG READERS: If you are a student or aged 21 years or below, and want to air your opinion on any report or letter in The Straits Times, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg, with the subject header "Voices of Youth". Do include your age, school level and contact details, and the headline of the report/letter you refer to. Please keep to a length of 250 words.