This week, the Chinese government backtracked on its decision to shut down Feng Shui Primary School in Hebei province, a move triggered by significant protests from parents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn9kkelvpwo
Fengyi Elementary School is a private institution, and there’s a wider trend where the Chinese Communist Party aims to phase out private schools. The goal seems to be to funnel students into state-run schools to ensure that they are indoctrinated into communist ideologies. Notably, some of the most sought-after private schools are operated by foreign entities.
There’s a keen awareness among the government about the sensitivities surrounding parents who are paying for private education instead of relying on state schools. They also face criticism that the high costs of private education create “unfair” advantages in China’s competitive job market.
Private schools also pose challenges due to declining demographics, which have left many state-run schools struggling with empty classrooms.
While private education remains popular among Chinese families, the number of such institutions has plummeted recently under governmental pressure. Reports from the Ministry of Education indicate that over 20,000 private schools have been closed in the last four years, impacting more than three million students.
The government has implemented various strategies to undermine private education, including capping tutoring fees, enforcing stringent financial regulations, and imposing stricter rules on educational content. These measures have raised questions about the value of additional payments for the same tightly controlled education offered in public schools.
Additionally, the focus on English and other foreign languages has intensified. Many students with foreign passports left China during the pandemic, which further diminished the demand for profit-driven private schools.
Some supporters of the Uyghur community believe that the government’s intention behind closing private schools is to use state institutions as a means of cultural suppression. They argue that by reducing the number of private schools, it becomes easier for the government to assimilate students from minority groups, limiting the exposure of these students to their own culture and history.
Fengyi Elementary School was targeted despite its popularity among parents in Nangong. Local parents highlighted that the school was well-regarded, with many competing for spots through a public lottery. “They recognized the quality of education we offered and that attracted financially capable parents. That’s why they wanted to shut it down,” stated a source from Radio Free Asia.
The timing of the government’s decision was particularly shocking, as it was made late in the school year, forcing parents to place their children in poorly managed state institutions to finish the semester.
To the astonishment of local officials, thousands of parents gathered last Sunday outside the Nangong Municipal Government building, demanding explanations for the closure of the school they cherished.
The protest was not only large but also lasted until nightfall. Just a few days later, local officials conceded, telling the furious parents that their concerns had been addressed because “Fengyi Elementary School will remain open.”
However, Radio Free Asia expressed skepticism about this supposed resolution, noting that education officials have been evasive when questioned by both local and international media regarding the school’s future.
