In brief
An in-depth investigation showcases harrowing accounts from former students of China's so-called quality education schools. Known for their militaristic discipline, these institutions have been accused of abduction, physical and sexual abuse, and creating environments of fear and despair for rebellious youth. Despite the ban on corporal punishment, testimonies from 23 former students reveal the persistent abuse and trauma suffered within these walls. The report highlights a flawed system that preys on vulnerable families, raising pressing questions about oversight and accountability within China's educational framework.
Warning: This report contains details of physical and sexual abuse and discussion of suicide.
Baobao's heart still races when she smells soil after morning rain. It takes her back to early military drills behind locked gates - and the constant fear that marked every one of her days at Lizheng Quality Education School.
At the age of 14, Baobao spent six months confined within a strict environment where instructors aimed to 'fix' students deemed rebellious. Accounts of extreme corporal punishment from former students detail beatings that left lasting physical and emotional scars.
A BBC Eye investigation reveals multiple allegations of abuse within these schools and raises serious allegations of abduction where adolescents were taken under the guise of law enforcement. These institutions are thriving despite China’s ban on corporal punishment, preying on families seeking oversight of teenage behavior through military discipline.
The network of schools, run by military veteran Li Zheng, continues to operate under new names even after closures and police interventions in response to recent complaints. The lack of cohesive government oversight provides these entities with the freedom to exploit desperate parents.
Former students, including Baobao and another named Enxu, recount experiences of severe mistreatment, forced training, and a total overhaul of their identities without permission. Despite their harrowing experiences, their stories are a stark call to action, advocating for a reevaluation and regulation of such institutions.
