On September 1st, it was the first day of school for primary and secondary schools in mainland China. However, some parents in certain regions complained that they were informed by teachers to clean the school, sparking strong dissatisfaction and questioning among parents. At the same time, the phenomenon of random fees being charged by schools across the country has also been exposed, deeply upsetting parents.
Recently, a parent in Xiaoshan, Zhejiang, posted online saying that at the beginning of the new semester, they received a notice from teachers that the classrooms needed cleaning. Parents who had time could volunteer, or they could choose to hire a cleaner. This notice put parents in a dilemma.
Some parents expressed their dissatisfaction, pointing out that when they were students themselves, they had to clean the school at the start of each semester. Now, as adults, parents are expected to clean the school for their children. They argued that this was not about cleanliness but rather an unspoken rule.
In a video shared by “Chinese Ordinary People”, a parent mentioned that when they were students, they had to clean the school themselves. Now, as adults, they find themselves cleaning the school for their children.
Another female parent questioned the practice, saying that parents had to clean the school for their children. She raised concerns about the school’s logistics, asking why they couldn’t hire someone for such tasks. She expressed frustration at the additional burdens put on parents and the impact it had on their work schedules.
She further criticized the situation, highlighting that parents were responsible for cleaning, assisting with homework, and even participating in school meetings. She argued that this blurred the line between the school’s responsibilities and those of the parents, leading to unfair expectations on parents.
“Chinese Ordinary People” stated that the issue lies not in the labor itself but in the misplacement of responsibilities. Schools should provide a safe and clean learning environment, and tasks like cleaning should be handled by school staff, not parents. However, many schools in China had shifted these responsibilities to parents under the guise of parental involvement, leading to a reduction in educational services. This practice reflects a backward mindset where schools exploit parents rather than following modern educational standards.
He emphasized the need for parents to voice their concerns rationally and differentiate between tasks that should be done by the school and those that should not.
In addition to the issue of shifting labor responsibilities, the hidden fees in many Chinese schools have also raised concerns and garnered widespread attention. Recent revelations have sparked discussions on various platforms.
For instance, a high school in Yueyang County, Hunan Province, was exposed for not allowing students to use sockets in the dorms for safety reasons. Instead, they collaborated with external organizations to install hairdryers for a fee. This covert practice not only adds financial burden on parents but also raises questions about the school’s priorities.
In another case, a university dormitory required students to use a card linked to their phones for access. Failure to pay for a new card if the student changed their phone meant they couldn’t enter the dorm. Moreover, fees were imposed for drinking water, using air conditioning, and taking showers, further frustrating parents.
Online searches reveal peculiar fees in schools, including facial recognition charges. Schools implementing entry controls charge 40 yuan for card fees and an additional 100 yuan annually.
The chaotic fee structure in schools has left parents feeling helpless. Despite being questioned by parents, schools often justify these fees as voluntary contributions.
One parent questioned the necessity of these charges, pointing out that without access cards, students couldn’t enter the school or dorms, leading to educational disruptions. They criticized the schools for adopting a commercial approach, focusing on profits rather than their core role in education.
Another female parent highlighted that schools should focus on education and character development, rather than creating financial barriers. With tuition fees already paid, additional charges only add to the burden of students and parents.
She noted that the current educational model of schools seems to prioritize money over values, leading students to chase financial gains rather than nurturing love and kindness. She stressed that schools should be a place of warmth and education, not a profit-driven institution. A school that prioritizes financial gains over values fails to educate students effectively.