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, recollecting the early military drills behind locked gates at Lizheng Quality Education School. For six months, at the age of 14, she faced physical and psychological torment as instructors attempted to 'fix' what families deemed rebellious behavior.
Students often suffered brutal punishments, with testimonies describing abuses including severe beatings and sexual assault. Baobao, now 19, recalls considering suicide, a sentiment echoed by other students.
'Raped and Beaten'
A BBC Eye investigation revealed a disturbing trend across similar schools where forced compliance resulted in multiple allegations of abuse. While corporal punishment has been prohibited in China for decades, former students have recounted severe beatings and extreme physical exercise routines. Instances of rape and sexual harassment by instructors were also reported.
Undercover investigations showed how staff exaggerated their authority, posing as police to abduct minors from their homes with parental consent. Allegations of coercion involved operating under names connected to military veterans like Li Zheng, who has been linked to at least ten such institutions.
'Deeply Offensive' Body Searches
Both Baobao and fellow student Enxu narrate harrowing experiences of being forcibly taken to these schools by individuals pretending to be official authorities. They recount invasive body searches they regarded as sexual assault and reveal a complete lack of academic instruction.
While parents invest significant sums—around 65,800 yuan ($9,300)—in the hope of reforming their children’s behaviors, investigations indicate that many of these institutions operate outside the law under a fragmented regulatory system.
'Viral Letters'
Enxu's escape hinged on viral letters she managed to smuggle out of the school, raising enough public pressure for authorities to intervene. However, the school's closure drew no attention to the grave allegations of abuse.
As additional developments unfold, victims and activists continue to work towards shutting down these schools that operate on principles of deception and violence. Both Baobao and Enxu's warnings underline a failing system desperate for reform.
