Students take a physical education class after school. [Photo/ourjiangsu.com]

The flexible school time program that allows primary school students to delay their time of departure to 6 pm will once again be implemented in Nanjing starting from March 1, local media outlets reported.

Nanjing was the first among domestic cities to initiate the program in 2017 to solve the "3:30 pm issue." It is a phenomenon in which Chinese parents, especially those living and working in big and medium-sized cities, faced difficulties taking care of their children after 3:30 pm, which is generally when schools end for the day, while they are still at work.

Students attending the program can do their homework, read some books, and take part in extracurricular activities at designated places, which involve topics including science, physical education, arts, health, and security.

"I will do my homework sometimes, but I'm more interested in a shadow puppetry class that is held every Thursday, as I can practice my hands-on abilities and painting skills," said Yin Zhuyi, a student at Xiaohang Primary School.

"We aim to ease parents' burden, as well as enrich students' afterschool lives," said Huang Qingchun, vice-president of the school.

The program is free of charge and all primary schools in Nanjing are required to offer the service. Epidemic prevention and control measures were also taken into account this year.