In an unexpected move that has ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media, a private primary school in China, Jiesheng Primary School, has announced its decision to charge students for afternoon naps. This bold policy shift, communicated through a notice distributed in the school's parent-teacher WeChat group, has left many questioning the rationale behind such a decision.
While the school has not explicitly detailed the reasons for the introduction of these fees, it has unveiled a tiered pricing structure that has raised eyebrows among parents and the public alike. Under this new policy, students opting to nap at their desks will face a charge of 200 yuan (Rs 2,275) per term. Those seeking the comfort of classroom mats will be required to pay 360 yuan (Rs 4,094), while the highest fee of 680 yuan (Rs 7,856) is reserved for students who choose to rest in private rooms equipped with beds.
According to an unnamed staff member at the school, these charges are in accordance with official regulations, with private schools granted the autonomy to determine such fees, as reported by the South China Morning Post. In an effort to justify the fees, the school has committed to assigning teachers to oversee and care for students during their napping sessions.
The school emphasizes that attendance for these naps is not mandatory and that students have the option to return home during lunch breaks. However, critics argue that the move is nothing short of absurd, questioning the necessity of charging students for the basic act of resting during the school day.
The Dongguan City Development and Reform Bureau spokesperson has defended the fees, asserting that they are reasonable due to the presence of teachers during nap times. Nevertheless, the public's response on social media platforms has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing disbelief and frustration at the school's decision.
One online commenter exclaimed, "Is this a joke? The school has gone crazy just to make money." Another individual questioned, "Am I the only one who can't understand why students need to pay for sleeping at their desks?" A third commenter sarcastically remarked, "This is ridiculous. Next, the school will charge a fee for going to the restroom or breathing?"
The controversial move by Jiesheng Primary School has clearly struck a nerve with the public, raising broader questions about the role of fees in education and the boundaries of what can be charged for within school settings. As the debate rages on, the school's decision continues to be a topic of intense scrutiny and discussion in China and beyond.
