North Korean teachers face an overload due to new uniform distribution duties imposed by the government. This recent policy change has sparked widespread discontent among educators and parents.
A significant shift in North Korean school uniform distribution responsibilities has caused challenges for schools. In 2021, the North Korean government altered its policy, requiring schools to manage uniform distribution and repairs directly. This has transferred substantial non-academic responsibilities to teachers, including measuring, organizing fittings, coordinating with factories, and performing minor alterations themselves.
This new policy leaves teachers with less time for academic preparation, a concern echoed by many who feel their roles have now shifted towards that of factory workers. The additional workload hampers their ability to focus on educational duties, thereby affecting overall academic performance and teacher morale.
Parents, recognizing these challenges, have opted to procure uniforms independently. Despite official prohibitions, many parents either make alterations themselves or purchase higher-quality uniforms from local markets. They seek alternatives to the poorly made, easily torn materials provided by the government, underscoring their dissatisfaction with the current system.
The consensus indicates a general discontent with the new policy from both educators and parents. Teachers are increasingly frustrated by their non-teaching responsibilities, and parents are actively seeking solutions to ensure their children have quality uniforms. The impact extends to logistical operations within schools and affects the general morale and effectiveness of the teaching staff.
There is a rising call for the government to reconsider this policy to alleviate the undue burdens placed on schools. Improving the overall educational environment is crucial, and a revision of the uniform distribution duties could be a significant step in achieving this goal. The situation highlights the need for balancing administrative tasks with teaching responsibilities to enhance the effectiveness of the educational system.
