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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