Coronavirus: most Hong Kong kindergartens plan tuition fees freeze next year despite financial strain of pandemic
- Preschools have taken a financial hit from parents pulling their children out because of the health crisis, emigration
- About 760 of Hong Kong’s 1,000-plus kindergartens say they will leave 2021-22 fees at this year’s level, some 250 plan an increase
“Under the current environment, many kindergartens are tightening their belts and riding out the challenging times with parents,” said Nancy Lam Chui-ling, kindergarten principal and vice-chairwoman of the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers.
Kindergartens in Hong Kong have suffered financially from parents pulling their children out during the pandemic, as well as families emigrating. Government data showed that at least 16 have ceased operations since last year or are planning to do so.
Education Bureau figures released on Thursday showed that about 760 kindergartens were planning to freeze fees for 2021-22, which includes 580 non-profit preschools that are heavily subsidised by the government.
Seven kindergartens applied for a tuition fee reduction, but another 250 proposed increases. Both sets of applications are awaiting approval from the bureau.
Last May, more than 350 kindergartens said they would freeze their fees, while about 560 applied for a fee raise.
A bureau spokeswoman did not provide details on the levels of increase proposed by the 250 kindergartens. But she said each institution faced different operational costs and needs, and officials would reach their decisions “as soon as possible”.
Most half-day places at government-subsided kindergartens are free. The annual subsidies are worth more than HK$36,000 (US$4,600) per child. Full-day fees at those preschools are also relatively low, amounting to thousands of Hong Kong dollars annually.