Source: CCTV.com

05-04-2006 15:45

And many children of migrant workers have been left to fend for themselves when their parents head to the cities in search of work.

This is a boarding school typical to many others. Most students who come here have no idea when they'll see their parents again.

Wang Guoqing is a hard-working student, he last saw his mum and dad a year ago.

Wang said: "I haven't seen my parents for a long time. I am studying hard, and I hope they know."

Children like Guoqing have been labelled "single" children.

As China moves away from its rural roots, a large number of farmers across the country thronged into the cities in search of work. Their children are left to the care of relatives and friends.

Boarding school is one way to ensure the children receive proper care. But educators say school can't replace immediate family.

LI Weidong, Headmaster of Huaiyin Xindu Zhongxin Primary School said: "Lack of parental presence has a negative impact on the children's academics, character and personality. The school has a psychology consulting room for those children. Teachers are trying to play their roles as parents."

Substituting teachers for parents, Guoqing and his schoolmates consider themselves lucky. Due to limited accommodation facilities, only twenty percent of "single" children can attend boarding schools.

At this textile machinery manufacturing factory, Guoqing's parents don't know when they'll be able to see their son. They've been working here for two years. They're satisfied with the salaries and have no intentions on leaving. Like many other parents working away from home, they hope Guoqing will one day understand their decision.

Zheng Yuqin, Guoqing's mother said: "We couldn't pay for his tuition fees before. Now we can send him to a boarding school. We are working hard to make money, it's for him to have a better future."

Having this said, the couple know their decision won't necessarily guarantee Guoqing's future. Zheng Yuqing says she phon calls home once a week, and every time Guoqing says he misses them. They're hoping to have him live with them over the summer holiday. Everyday after work, they count down the days to his arrival.

Zheng said: "We do worry about his study and mental status. Though boarding school provides everything, he still needs our constant guidance and care."

Every weekend, Guoqing goes to his grandparents'. His grandma is illiterate, but happy to watch Guoqing finish his homework. Guoqing also helps his grandparents around the house when he stays. He too is counting down the days to seeing his parents. He's looking forward to telling them how well he's doing at school, and perhaps, how helpful he's been at home.

 

Editor:Chen Minji