Too much extra spending

Too much extra spending

From Bisnis Indonesia

There is a growing tendency for students of Pangudi Luhur elementary school to raise funds among themselves to celebrate their teacher's birthday. Regardless of who initiated the practice, each child is asked to contribute Rp 5,000, with some children readily giving more. There is no coercion whatsoever, but even the less wealthy children feel obliged to contribute lest they run the risk of being isolated.

They buy various gifts with the money collected and a birthday cake for their teacher. How could this happen? Never mind that it was the students that initiated the practice, isn't the teacher concerned ashamed of being so pampered? As parents, we think this practice has no educational value.

I would like to raise another matter concerning the excursion for the six graders. I suggest that they go to Bandung, as last six graders did year, and not to Central Java. They are still relatively young for a long journey. Also they should be economical on their spending and stay at an air-conditioned hostel instead of a star-rated hotel. Remember, not all parents are wealthy. Besides, parents still have to save enough for the coming farewell party and gifts for teachers. I therefore call on the school principal to think over the matter.

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