In the western regions of China, a significant effort is underway to enroll Tibetan children in boarding schools with the aim of integrating them into mainstream Chinese society and fostering loyalty to the Communist Party.
Tibetan activists and UN experts have raised concerns about the systematic separation of Tibetan children from their families, which they believe is an attempt to erase Tibetan culture and strengthen Beijing’s authority over a historically resistant population. It is estimated that a large majority of Tibetan students, starting at age 6, are enrolled in residential schools where Mandarin is predominantly taught, replacing traditional Tibetan language, culture, and beliefs.
During a visit to a school in Qinghai Province by Chinese leader Xi Jinping, he expressed support for the program despite international criticism. Xi emphasized the importance of instilling a sense of Chinese national identity in children from an early age through education.
Chinese officials defend these schools as essential for equipping Tibetan children with language skills and knowledge needed for modern employment opportunities. They claim that families willingly send their children to these free schools where they receive education on Tibetan culture and language.
However, investigations by The New York Times reveal that Tibetan children are disproportionately targeted for enrollment in these residential schools against their parents’ wishes. Reports indicate that many parents have limited choice in sending their children to these institutions and often go long periods without seeing them.
Numerous studies highlight the negative psychological impact on Tibetan children attending these boarding schools including anxiety, loneliness, and depression.
2025-01-09 22:08:01
Link from www.nytimes.com