Parent Backlash at Pig Rearing Project
CHINA - Chinese parents are up in arms after a school ordered children to feed pigs three times a day. They say the action is denying their children a proper education as the project is taking time away from other studies.
14 January 2008
2 minute read
State media reports that the middle school at Chunchang Nanlu Middle School, on the island of Hainan, had used 10,000 yuan ($1,400) of poverty alleviation funds to buy 36 piglets which it plans to raise. The pupils are also being encouraged to grow vegetables as part of their curriculum.
Reports suggest that each pig could potentially be sold for 1,600 yuan ($220), giving the school an estimated profit of 1,000 yuan ($130) which would be a significant boost to school and education resources.
Angry parents have complained and say the project is just a reaction to China's major concerns about soaring pork prices and has no educational value.
The school disagrees. It maintains that it provides students with a sound and balanced education.
Reports suggest that each pig could potentially be sold for 1,600 yuan ($220), giving the school an estimated profit of 1,000 yuan ($130) which would be a significant boost to school and education resources.
Angry parents have complained and say the project is just a reaction to China's major concerns about soaring pork prices and has no educational value.
The school disagrees. It maintains that it provides students with a sound and balanced education.
