Students to enjoy free after-school services

Writer: Wang Jingli  |  Editor: Holly Wang  |  From: Shenzhen Daily  |  Updated: 2021-02-24

Students attend a dance class at Xinzhou Primary School in Futian District. DT News

Students currently attending the compulsory nine-year education in Shenzhen will be able to enjoy after-school services soon, according to a circular released by the Municipal Education Bureau.

Schools should provide these services in the afternoon for one or two class hours after daily teaching programs, according to the circular, which becomes effective from the spring semester of 2021. The after-school services should end before 6 p.m.

Schools are encouraged to provide various types of after-school activities to meet the students’ interests, but they cannot assign homework to students.

Schools can organize clubs that help cultivate students’ talents in arts and sports, etc. Schools can also set up other learning activities like self study and Q&A sessions. They are also encouraged to organize activities outside the campus. Teachers can take students to nearby or surrounding areas like Children’s Palace, museums, high-tech companies, galleries and concert halls.

Students and parents have the right to decide whether or not to participate in the service. The circular states schools are not allowed to charge the students and parents in any way for these activities.

The government will allocate a subsidy of 1,000 yuan (US$154.80) per student each year to schools. At present, district education departments as well as city schools are working on specific plans, according to Shenzhen Special Zone Daily.

The circular also urged each school to form a working group to supervise the quality of its after-school service.

This service serves as one way to relieve parents’ burdens picking up children. Schools are responsible for their students’ safety and should ensure a timely and orderly pick-up time. Parents are also encouraged to take part in after-school services.

In November last year, the Municipal Education Bureau released the draft to solicit public opinion.