Bothan Institute
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The Bothan Institute was a boarding school for girls set up in 1704 AN on the island of Botha, situated in the Bay of Chryse, at the initiative of Ayesha al-Osman. Upon their entry into the institute, girls would be considered to have become inducted into the cadres of the Nationalist & Humanist Party and graduates would subsequently be called upon to support the N&H Future Leadership Programme.
Foundation
Organisation
Taking inspiration from the Sarayzenana of Raspur, the pupils were divided into two cohorts from seven to twelve years, and from twelve to sixteen years. The institute would provide dress uniforms in dark-blue cotton for the junior cohort and a white linen frock dress with salmon-pink blouse and underskirts for the seniors.
Parents or guardians who assigned the girl to the institute were required to give a written commitment that they, prior to the expiration of the period set for education, will not demand her back under any circumstances.
| Age Class | Ribbon Colour |
|---|---|
| Junior Cohort (Dark-Blue) | |
| Seven to Eight | Black |
| Eight to Nine | Brown |
| Nine to Ten | Red |
| Ten to Eleven | Orange |
| Eleven to Twelve | Yellow |
| Senior Cohort (White) | |
| Twelve to Thirteen | Green |
| Thirteen to Fourteen | Spring Green |
| Fourteen to Fifteen | Cyan |
| Fifteen to Sixteen | Blue |
Education
During the training, special attention was paid to the Law of the Highest Divinity and to the precepts of Humanism. Pupils additonally studied subjects such as Praeta, mathematics, physics, chemistry, geography, biology, arts, music, physical education, religion, history and the ars technica. They are also required to study at least three other languages in addition to Praeta. The usual combinations being Istvanistani, Alexandrian and Babkhi.
All the pupils days played out according to the same timetable: they got up at six am and went to their classrooms at seven with the first prayers of the days, before having their morning meal in the refectory. They then studied from eight until midday before having lunch. The lunch break lasted until two pm, when classes began again. These lasted until six pm, when they had supper. They finally went to bed at nine pm. Each moment of the day was punctuated by a prayer to the Highest Divinity after the Holodomaic manner.
Helping in the domestic tasks at the institute formed part of the students' education. The senior cohort were obliged to attend upon the teachers as servants, whilst the juniors would be paired to a senior to serve in turn. Their collective leisure time was also important and Ayesha al-Osman encouraged the students to use them for intellectual games such as chess, though games of chance were prohibited.
The discipline in the institute was rigorous, its students had no holidays and were not allowed to see their families more than four times a year, in the reception hall situated amongst the grounds of the residence. The dormitories were not heated, the beds were firm in order not to 'soften' the pupils, and they washed in cold water only.
