Job Discussion Forums

[Guest]

I am hoping someone can answer this question for me - maybe Roger can.

I do a lot of Volunteer work at the local Orphanage on the weekends and I have now found out which local School the Orphanage children attend.

as I have spare time on my hands, I asked my Headmaster (he cannot speak English so I asked the Deputy Head - she can) if I could do some Volunteer (unpaid) teaching at the local School. He said NO.

I know that Chinese teachers are not allowed to teach at more than one school (when the hell they would get any spare time I do not know) but I thought that was mainly a money thing. Obviously not because I am not allowed to go to that School. Does anyone know why?

I thought it may be a "saving face" thing - "she teaches at our School".

thanks

[Roger]

Hello, Rhonda,

the main reason for this sort of ban is - you are your school's "property", their liability as they spnsored you. I would say this is fair. Even Chinese have to abide by similar rules. In their case, the rule is meant to stop moonlighting. You know how many of our Chinese colleagues only put in 8 to ten periods a week; they have plenty of time to work elsehwere (and they often do).

They do not want to make exceptions because that would be setting bad precedwents. Maybe they believe you, maybe not; volunteering is unknown to them.

Besides, orphanages are a sensitive issue. A handful of years ago, many kids simply starved to death. FOreigners were not supposed to know about this, but it got out, and now, there are more foreigners knowing about chinese orphanages, and the kids are now better off (in general).

I guess, you have to bend some of your moral convictions. Go to the orphanage - without telling your school, or without telling them that you are teaching there.
I congratulate you to your interest in orphans!

[Just a guy]

If I woulda asked first, I'm pretty sure my middle school would of said no about my volunteering at a couple primary schools in town.

I've learnt that if I might not like the possible answer to just not ask the questions.

I was told about the competition between schools regarding exam scores & the $$ that better scores can bring in enrollment numbers & government funds, I think that is why they aren't saying anything now, they hope / know the bright kids in my primary classes will end up in our national middle school eventually.

I'll guess kids from an orphanage might not be thought of as future high scorers..?

[NumberOneSon]

Some schools (especially private ones) have policies against working
for other schools.

As a business, they SHOULD be concerned when someone they employ
gives away their goods for free.

I've heard of teachers nearly losing their jobs for doing volunteer
teaching at the nearby orphanages in China. It may seem a bit cruel,
but until Chinese businesses start getting a lot of good PR (which can
translate into cold hard cash) for doing volunteer work, it's likely to continue.

You may feel that you are doing good by volunteering at the nearby
orphanages, but just be aware that the school which sponsors you
may decide to send you packing. Just don't be too surprised when
it happens.

Corporate volunteerism in the U.S. is seen as "good business" mainly
because of the publicity and image building it provides.

Since I got my start doing volunteer ESL classes for immigrants
to the U.S., I know where you're coming from on this, but business
is still business and too many freebies are not good. Also, while I
was volunteering I was not on anyone's payroll as a teacher.

[Diletante]

Here's something I've believed for a long time, and my time in China only intensified the idea: It is better to ask forgiveness than permission.

For God's sake, stop asking your school what you can and can't do with your private time. You've got the high ground here, you're teaching freaking orphans!

Now don't get carried away, but don't give up your own autonomy to avoid ruffling a few feathers. Chinese employers are used to treating their employees like herds of cattle. That's understandable, because for so long their labor supply has hugely outstripped the demand. This is not true in your case, your skills are very scarce, and very portable. Don't forget that and don't let them ignore that. I hate to see foreigners cowed by patriarchal employers, you gotta stand up for yourself, no one else will.

[NumberOneSon]

[struelle]

[Diletante]

[struelle]

[Guest]

Thanks Roger and everyone for your advice.

Actually I go to the orphanage every Sunday for 4 hours and have done so for nearly 3 months now. The school is aware of this and it seems fine with them. I spend hours every day on Orphanage work as I am sending weekly reports and photos etc. to adoptive parents in the U.S.A.

One Couple, are arriving in Nanjing on the 2nd Dec. for a week to pick up their 2 year old Daughter and I am having two days off work to take the 3 hour bus trip to help with the transition. I am paying the chinese teachers to take my lessons for the 2 days and I told the School that and they did not seem to mind.

It was only when I found out which local School the older Orphans go to that the shit hit the fan. I went and asked permission to go to that public School in my own time and teach and they said NO. I have accepted that. I think I am on a pretty good wicket here. I really only wanted to know WHY THEY SAID NO and I think I agree that I am their "property" and "responsibility" and I understand that.

Roger, the teachers at this School work from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. mostly - plus they are here on Sat. and Sun. - god knows when they would be able to moonlight!. I only actually teach about 10 hours per week - plus preparation time as I am a newbie - so I am very happy here.
Thanks for you advice everyone