Cheng Hongbo, a deputy principal of Xifeng primary school in rural Henan Province, tells of how a student once mocked teachers by asking "what is the use of studying, seeing as my undereducated parents make more money than countryside teachers?"
Wang sees it all as part of a bigger problem.
"The fundamental teachings of the Chinese culture, the very concept of right and wrong, the core values of a society, once held together by village schools, are now lost," Wang said. "These schools are not just about children. They are the center of a community and in turn help build a stable society."
Centralized schools
"There are advantages to the strategy of consolidating education resources in rural areas," Cheng told the Global Times. "After the consolidation process, we now have a more stable source of students and more available teachers."
The disadvantage, he said, is the inconvenience caused to his students due to the long distances. In some cases, students have to walk an hour and half to get to school every day.
"The consolidation plan has put a great financial burden on the parents since children now have to eat and live away from home or pay for their daily commute," said Tong Xiaoxi, deputy secretary general of the Zigen China for Rural Education and Development.
With many parents in rural China relocating for their children's education and mothers and fathers living apart, the divorce rate has also risen.
Landmark building should respect the public's feeling
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