Why Vietnamese Students Don't Clean Toilets: A Comparison with Japan Reveals Educational Challenges

In Vietnamese primary schools, it was once common for students to participate in 'public labor,' including cleaning classrooms and toilets. However, with the transition to a market economy, schools have increasingly been viewed as educational service providers. This has led to a prevalent sentiment among parents that since they are paying for education, their children should not be tasked with cleaning duties. Consequently, schools are becoming confined to knowledge transmission, and opportunities to foster community spirit and consideration for others – the essence of 'Lễ' (propriety/etiquette) – are diminishing. In contrast, in many Japanese elementary schools, the practice of students cleaning their classrooms and toilets remains strong. This is not merely a measure for budget saving or a form of discipline, but is rooted in social principles such as not inconveniencing others (Meiwaku) and showing consideration for the next user (Omoiyari). The author notes that Japanese toilet culture transcends mere hygiene, evolving into aesthetics, spirituality, and even the philosophy of 'Omotenashi' (wholehearted hospitality). In Vietnam, the opportunity for empathy and compassion to develop through the experience of students cleaning up their own messes is being lost. The author argues that this issue is not simply about obtaining the consent of a few parents, but requires a reconstruction of educational culture shared by families, schools, and society as a whole. It is concluded that a way of living with others can be formed through children taking responsibility for their own messes and showing consideration for others.