A content creator has sparked a debate over whether parents should send their children only to schools they can afford, particularly private schools. Cedric Laguma, also known as Uncle Cedric, also questioned the impact it has on kids…
CONTENT CREATOR: SHOULD PARENTS SEND KIDS TO SCHOOLS THEY CAN’T AFFORD?
On his social media platforms, Cedric Laguma, also known as Uncle Cedric, sparked a debate in a viral video about parents and school fee affordability.
The popular content creator questioned if parents should send their children to schools they could barely afford or stay in their lane.
He said, “You might be doing more damage to your children than you think, in the hope that you are going to give them a better chance. School is more than education, it is an entire experience…You are barely making school fees. You are sending your child to school with other children whose parents can afford those fees.
Cedric claimed that children who went to schools their parents could not afford felt ostracised by their peers and ashamed of their circumstances.
He added: “School is not just school fees….are you able to cover the peripherals that go with it? People are much happier, healthier if they stay in their lane”.
The video has racked up hundreds of thousands of views, with many adding their voice to the debate.
@cedriclaguma2
Some agreed with Cedric’s views…
Jaydene: “I’m a teacher, and it’s not just the fees, it’s the lifestyle, and the kids feel it”.
Nomiee_n03: “I went to a better school, and I would never want to relive that experience again. I was always the struggling kid”
Vura08: “I would rather send my kids to a cheaper school where they can still enjoy a quality of life.”
Others wholeheartedly disagreed, claiming their circumstances changed their outlook on life.
Flamingo: “I went to a ‘better’ school because of bursaries and scholarships. Being the poor kid helped me build and shape my character. It opened my eyes to another lifestyle, one that I realise I can achieve“.
Jaco: “My parents sent my siblings and me to a school they could barely afford. Going there opened opportunities for me and exposed me to a wealth mindset at an early age. I’m grateful for that”.
FROM EXHORBITANT FEES TO DEBT
Uncle Cedric’s post comes amid reports that more South African parents are pulling their children out of private schools due to unaffordability.
Some are choosing cheaper alternatives, like homeschooling with private tutors, which offer benefits like flexibility and tailored education syllabuses.
According to Debt Solutions 4U, many parents get into debt at schools with higher tuition, not factoring in additional costs like uniforms and stationery, extracurricular activities, camps and excursions, and hefty annual increases.
