VietNamNet Bridge - Although they were warned that their children may suffer physical abuse at private nurseries, many parents still say they have no choice to see the service. 


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Parents feel insecure about leaving kids at private nursery classes




Hoang Ngoc Long from Binh Thuan province said his child attends Mam Xanh private nursery school. A video posted online showed three teachers at the school slapping children on their faces, heads and backs, and throwing them in the air.

Long and his wife are migrant workers in HCMC. Since they don’t have permanent residence certificates in HCMC, they cannot send their child to state-owned schools. 

“We have no other choice than sending our child to a private school, though we feel insecure about leaving the kid there,” he said.

Although they were warned that their children may suffer physical abuse at private nurseries, many parents still say they have no choice to see the service.

Le Thi Phuong, who has been working for 10 years in Tan Tao IZ, also complained that she has to send her two children to private household classes near her rented room.

“Private classes are the only choice for us. We don’t have permanent residence certificates, so the admission to state-owned schools is impossible,” she said.

“Private classes have lower tuition and take care of children after working hours. We usually have to work extra shifts and get home at 7 pm,” she explained.

Private nursery schools and household classes have been increasing in IZs. Many schools receive children aged 3 months to 6 years old. On a section of road from Highway No 1A to Ba Hom Crossroad alone, there are three private schools. There are many other schools located in small alleys. 

After seeing an ad that a nursery in Binh Tan district was looking for two babysitters, reporters called to ask about jobs. The owner, named Thanh, hired untrained babysitters, saying that they will learn when working.

B.N. private school was also seeking teachers, but it did not set requirements for candidates. Most of the babysitters there are very young and don’t have experience in preschool education.

A babysitter who once worked for the school said she received VND3 million a month, and she had to work from 6.30 am to 6 pm every day. Though the school was only allowed to receive children aged 24 months to five years old, it actually accepted smaller children.

The private Mam Xanh kindergarten has been suspended in a decision released by the local authorities.

Lawyer Nguyen Duc Chanh from the HCMC Bar Association said the case could face criminal prosecution.


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