 Starting this autumn, freshmen in six normal universities will enjoy free education, on the condition that they go back to their hometowns to work as primary and middle school teachers for more than 10 years. If not, they will be forced to pay back their tuition - plus an extra penalty.
LetĄ¯s follow Zhou Jing to take a look at how the media has responded to this.
Reporter:
One article from the Nanguo Morning Post recognises the disparity between education levels in developing and developed areas. To tackle the issue, it backs the policy and its encouraging more students from developed areas to work in the countryside, for example. These areas are in urgent need of teachers. And, in the long run, it will help narrow the gap between rural and urban education. And it will also promote the economic development of rural areas.
Many opposing voices say that the new policy doesnĄ¯t respect students free choice. The paper Modern Express carries an article stressing that rights and duties should go together. Given that students have the right to enjoy a free education, they also should accept their duties. Besides, students have the right to choose their destiny before they enter the university, and they can also change their decision by paying back the tuition fee. The writer argues that education has great importance on the development of any country. Our country as a whole will suffer if these students refuse to be teachers after receiving those benefits from the government.
Another opinion from the Jinan Daily says that punishment for those refusing to fulfill their duty in this new regulation has been over-emphasized. In fact, encouragement will be more effective in attracting students to be teachers.
The opinion explains that students coming from poor families may choose a free normal university simply because itĄ¯s free. For them, education is a way to change their own fate, as well as that of their families. However, it will be hard for them to realize their goals if they only teach in poor areas. The opinion believes the best way to keep those students in teaching positions is to ensure their continued benefits. It suggests decision-makers learn from positive experiences in countries like Japan.
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