Evening classes enrich young people's life
Night schools have recently emerged as a popular way for many young people to spend their nightlife. Data reveals that night classes in cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Changsha, and Shenzhen are in high demand. Even over 650,000 people compete for nearly 10,000 course slots.
Unlike traditional night schools of the 1980s, which focused on continuing education for working adults, today's 'youth night school' is more akin to a comprehensive training center.
Some even compare it to 'senior universities' aimed at young people. The curriculum covers not only interest classes such as ukulele playing, ethnic dance, and Peking opera but also practical life skills like dessert making, women's self-defense techniques, and traditional Chinese medicine health practices. It also offers knowledge classes like wine tasting, rock identification, and film appreciation.
Cost-effectiveness is another reason for night school's popularity.
On the one hand, instructors are rigorously selected. They are industry experts, inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, and seasoned teachers in various fields, ensuring students have a fulfilling and rewarding learning experience.
On the other hand, compared to some interest-based training courses, the tuition fees for night courses are more affordable. For instance, 12 sessions of ethnic dance classes only cost 500 yuan.
Today's young people love life and consume rationally. They can get happiness from a cup of milk tea and make progress by learning new things.
Similar phenomena have occurred before. For instance, not long ago, many young people would take classes at senior universities or online courses on various platforms after work.
This phenomenon can provide insight into the daily lives and attitudes of the younger generations. A young netizen compares 'youth night school' to a 'spiritual utopia,' as immersing oneself in learning a specific knowledge or skill helps reduce stress and worries. It offers a new social scene for young people to meet new people, broaden their horizons, and, for some, even find life partners.
Source: China News Service; trans-editing by Guo Yao