Nation pours out affection, thanks ahead of Teacher's Day

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-09 21:13

BEIJING/CHENGDU - The Teacher's Day on Wednesday is doomed to be bittersweet for the Chinese: as students and parents in big cities ponder over what gifts should be offered, those in quake-shattered provinces are pouring out thanks for their beloved teachers -- some of whom died while protecting the youngsters.

Pupils show the big cards made by themselves as gifts for their teachers at a primary school in Shenyang, Northeast China's Liaoning Province, September 8, 2008. [Xinhua]

Beijing pre-schooler Luan Jiaqi began preparing handmade greeting cards for her teachers a full week before Teacher's Day. "I know this special date because mum is a teacher and she has received many cards, too."

Teachers at Luan's kindergarten are allowed to accept only handmade cards and could be fired if found to have accepted expensive gifts.

But gifts ranging from flowers and cakes to pets and skin care products are prevalent at many Chinese schools. Parents have been discussing what gifts to be offered in reward for the teachers since several weeks before the holiday.

In a latest show of extravagance, a Shanghai father said his idea of a decent present for his daughter's three teachers was a tour to Japan over the week-long National Day holiday starting at the end of this month.

His idea was attacked shortly after it was reported by a Guangzhou-based newspaper. Some said he was merely showing off his wealth and, if not stopped in time, could set a very bad example for children, while others felt he would put the teachers in an embarrassing situation.

But be it a handmade card or an expensive tour, parents and students who have offered the gifts simply wish to express their affection and heartfelt gratitude for their teachers.

Most teachers, particularly primary and secondary school teachers, are under immense pressure in China, where competition is white-hot for children who wish to get into the best schools and universities and eventually, the best jobs.

With the high expectations of students and parents, many teachers work long hours to make sure every student is getting along, leaving their own children under the care of grandparents or domestic helpers.

The teaching profession has therefore been one of the most respected in China since the time of Confucius (551 B.C.-479 B.C.), a great philosopher and educator who was honored as "teacher of all teachers".

Previous page 1 2 3 4 Next Page