Illustrations: Peter C. Espina/GT

You may have heard of schoolchildren being punished for brawls or playing truant. But have you come across a school that shames its students for failing to donate for a charitable cause? Recently, 10 pupils in Maoming, Guangdong Province, were made to stand in a row on a platform and photographed by their teacher for not contributing to a fund-raising activity the school organized to help a patient with kidney failure. The picture of sheepish students with their heads bowed and hands behind their backs was put out on WeChat moments. The incident may leave the children scarred psychologically for life. Although the teacher later apologized, the students have had their dignity dented. Donation is a voluntary act, and some poor families are unable to donate. Forced donation can bring harm to both parties. Perhaps, the teacher forgot the adage: charity begins at home!