‘Stories are powerful because they cross the boundaries of time, past, present and future. They live with us in our hearts for one reason or another. They allow us to juxtapose our experiences with those of others.’
~ Lindzy Byamugiisha, Out of Sight
Rating: 4 stars
Triggers: depression, excessive thrashing
Reading time: 3-4 hours
Pages: 188
NOTHING in this book is fiction. Every chapter and every story that Lindzy re-counts is a true depiction of what we experienced while at primary boarding school. Out of Sight brings to light the countless things that academic institutions cover from the surface of what really happens when those gates to the school are closed and the last parent has walked out, leaving their children in the hands of the school administration.
This book is special to me because I lived through these stories. I also contributed a story in the book to create awareness for parents and caregivers to be more vigilant while determining a school for their children.
The foundation that is set for children in their formative ages determines how they will ultimately turn out. Their reaction to change and the paradigms with which they perceive things is in due course, shaped by those experiences.
The book is divided into 16 chapters and each chapter is an unfolding story of the things that are always left unsaid. Things that those who experienced, have stashed in a safe corner, away from the world. Lindy’s bravery in narrating these stories has to be revered!
The recurring theme in the book is the state of our education system in Uganda and the ends to which excellence and disciplined is achieved. Is that the only way out? Is the best way to communicate to an 8 year old child who has failed a test, thrashing them?
All these questions and much more is discussed in Lindy’s debut novel about her experiences in a Uganda boarding primary school.
The biggest question that one should ask themselves however after reading this book, is, what can I do now that I know that this is what happens behind most perimeter walls of boarding schools? We are all stake holders in the fate of the next generation. We shouldn’t sit back and let more children be churned out of such a system.
‘You are enclosed within a perimeter wall for years hoping that someone will come to your rescue, and they do not. So, that is how you learn to survive on your own, that is how you learn to be your own comfort…’
Listen. Observe. Be responsive to the meekness, the dejectedness, the withdrawal of your child, younger sister or brother, nephew or niece who is in boarding school and don’t ignore it. Because this dear friends, is the best way they know how to communicate their suffering!
I’d definitely recommend reading this book so that we can all ask ourselves, what part we have to play to create a better place for those who will come after us.
Do order your copies from Lindzy herself. Still in paperback for now but will it be on amazon soon enough. Those in Uganda can get their copies by contacting this numbers: 0778620024/+256750150702
Cheers.
Racheal
I can`t even imagine the harrowing tales in the book. Boarding school was ghetto. I look forward to reading Out of Sight.
Khanani Daniella
Yes it was. Please let me know what you think 😊
Racheal
Will do.
Racheal
I can`t even imagine the harrowing tales in the book. Boarding school was ghetto. I look forward to reading Out of Sight.
Khanani Daniella
Yes it was. Please let me know what you think 😊
Racheal
Will do.
tcndangana
Some boarding school experiences have affected one’s adult life. It is of a paramount importance to make the jigh school experiences memorable
Khanani Daniella
They really have. The trauma people have to endure is just unbearable! The memories need to be nice.
tcndangana
Some boarding school experiences have affected one’s adult life. It is of a paramount importance to make the jigh school experiences memorable
Khanani Daniella
They really have. The trauma people have to endure is just unbearable! The memories need to be nice.
‘Out Of Sight’ by Lindzy Byamugisha
[…] Out of Sight was one of those aha moments for me. There was no year that went by that I did not think about my experience in primary school, and the effects that it had on me. I knew I wanted to tell my story but I did not know how or where to start from. I was also waiting for the right time hoping that when it came by, I would see it, feel it and start writing. I guess we can all tell by now that the right time came by, I saw it, felt it and I started writing. […]