Closure of unlicensed kindergartens points to a major problem

BEIJING - Wang Xiaomin, principal of Xiyangyang Kindergarten in Beijing's Daxing district, had to announce to 180 children that their school would be closed for safety reasons from Thursday, the day the new semester starts.

The Xiyangyang kindergarten's dilemma is shared by another 30 unlicensed kindergartens in Xihongmen township. Township authorities issued an ultimatum to the unlicensed kindergartens on Aug 25, saying they would not be allowed to reopen for the new semester on Sept 1.

The decision could affect thousands of children but the township government, which had been authorized by the Daxing education authority to settle the children, has vowed to come up with a solution, Beijing News reported.