Taiwan Today

Other countries may have children's years and days. The Republic of China observes children's day every day and children's year every year. Children are especially dear to the hearts of the Chinese. Child abuse is almost unheard of. Toddlers and tots are rarely punished, although once the child goes to school, discipline is materially tightened. Immortality resides in the next generation, and there is no sin worse than failing to perpetuate the line. The Chinese love, respect and enjoy their children. Babies do not cry as much as in the West - some say because of the love lavished on them. Even when going out, the baby frequently is cradled on mother's back - comfortable and safe from all perils. These pages show happy faces of Chinese children.

 

 

President Chiang Ching-kuo has said there are no bad children, only bad parents and those who have been fail­ed by society. The government places strong emphasis on free and compulsory education. In 1968, the basic period was increased from six to nine years at the order of the late Presi­dent Chiang Kai-shek. More than 90 percent of young people are now attending school for nine years. Beyond that senior high school and college are open to all through competitive examination. Additional schooling has added to the weight and height of the younger generation. There is also more time for sports and extracurricular activities. All students are covered by accident insurance that makes pay­ments for death, disability or injury. The exceptional child is not neglected. Skilled care is provided for the handicapped and the genius. Special schools teach music, arts and sports.

 

 

 

Government and private nurseries have been established to care for the children of working mothers. In the countryside, these are temporarily set up so women can go into the fields during the busy farming season. Orphanages op­erate under both government and private auspices. Children need not be abandoned because parents are poor. Subsidies are paid to those who cannot care for their offspring. Scholarships are available to less affluent students at all stages of the educational process. The Chinese believe children are community assets.