Great agitation on the parents’ groups: What Christmas present should the teacher, principal or teachers receive? While some parents want to raise money, others refuse to take part and claim the exorbitant amounts demanded. In one class alone, 4,000 lei is reached for gifts. Some parents even put the money in the envelope so that the teacher can take what he wants. Contacted by Digi24, the representatives of the Minister of Education say that in the Organization and Operation Regulation there is no provision that prohibits these practices in schools. It is only specified that teachers are not allowed to participate in fundraisers.
There are heated discussions on parents’ WhatsApp groups. Those who don’t want to pay for teachers’ attention become the “black sheep” of the class. A mother who has a child in the 2nd grade told that there are many parents who cannot afford to give money, but for fear of being put against the wall, they make efforts!
Parent: A parent came up with the idea to collect a sum of money, 200 lei per child. For the lady, depending on how much money is raised, flowers, vouchers and jewellery. I don’t give money and I won’t give money. The mentality is – it’s nice to give gifts. Without taking into account that maybe profiles will favor the children who give gifts.
Another school, a new story. This time the collected money is given like at a wedding, directly in the envelope. Even with a list on which those who participated are crossed off, so that the teacher can see who paid the dues.
Parent: Initially there were 50, then a million. About this money. The money and who gave it, in principle, are also put in the envelope. Let’s see who didn’t give. There were parents who didn’t have and they gave, they said not to let the child suffer.
-There are individuals in these groups who almost impose. I don’t give, do I embarrass myself? And we go like sheep to the pile.
Some parents say some of the blame lies with accepting teachers.
Parent: He should refuse them. As long as the teacher accepts, the parent will collect money in the account. He should refuse them from the start. Say no thanks, I’m not doing this for a gift, that’s my job.
The teachers I spoke with do not encourage parents to buy them gifts.
Bogdan Cârstea – teacher: I generally avoid receiving gifts, I try to avoid. I thank them but I say leave it, another time. They have the false impression that if they give a gift to the teacher, he will take care of his child a little more.
The Ministry of Education explains what the law said in this case. Florin Lixandru: The regulation of September 1, 2022 does not include any express specification regarding practices that take place in educational institutions. It provides that the involvement of students or teachers in the collection of funds constitutes a disciplinary offense and is punishable.
Massage subscriptions, tickets to the mall, jewelry and expensive bags – these are just some of the gifts that parents have put on the list.
Publisher : AP
