Recently, a kindergarten in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province was exposed for washing children’s tableware in the restroom, sparking attention on social media. The local education bureau responded that the problem is real.
Parents have reported to the media that Hui Valley Sunshine Kindergarten in Gu Lou District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu has long-standing issues with cafeteria hygiene and inadequate disinfection of tableware. Particularly concerning is the discovery that the kindergarten has been washing children’s tableware in the restroom, causing strong dissatisfaction among parents.
One parent, Mr. Zhang, mentioned that in October last year, his child casually mentioned seeing a teacher washing dishes in the restroom next to the classroom. Mr. Zhang was furious because restrooms are meant for excretion, the environment is damp and dirty, which easily breeds bacteria. Washing tableware in the restroom can lead to contamination, posing a threat to the children’s health.
After learning about the issue, Mr. Zhang made a complaint to the government hotline. The education bureau of Gu Lou District responded that after verifying through surveillance footage, the situation reported by parents is true, and the kindergarten has been ordered to rectify it.
However, some parents are unsatisfied with the handling of the situation by the education bureau. They only demanded immediate rectification from the kindergarten without specifying a deadline, or conducting a thorough investigation according to relevant regulations. Furthermore, the school has not provided any explanation or apology, intensifying the anger and worries of the parents.
This incident has also garnered attention on the internet.
Netizens commented: “Rectifying only after being exposed, what about those not exposed?” and “Washing dishes should be a kitchen task.” Some said: “Mainly because the school doesn’t hire cleaning staff, so teachers have to wash them. However, during lunch, children can’t be left alone, and one person is not enough, so they can only wash dishes in the classroom, which doesn’t have a kitchen, hence in the restroom. But some kindergartens have restrooms and sinks separated.”
On the afternoon of January 3, reporters contacted the education bureau of Gu Lou District, where officials responded that the kindergarten had issues with delayed cleaning of the cafeteria and the practice of washing dishes in the children’s washroom. They have demanded immediate rectification from the kindergarten and ensured that future monitoring will be strengthened.