In the remote reaches of Nyangpo Township, Gongbo'Gyamda County, Xizang Autonomous Region, the Central Primary School stands as a testament to China's commitment to educational excellence. Established in 1994, the school once grappled with inadequate teaching facilities and high teacher turnover, situated nearly 4,000 meters above sea level.
Recognizing these challenges, schools in Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, initiated a paired-up assistance program in 2016. This collaboration focused on providing essential teaching materials and comprehensive teacher training, transforming the educational landscape in Gongbo'Gyamda County.
The impact of Guangdong's support is evident. Advanced teaching facilities and state-of-the-art heating systems now grace the school buildings, while standard basketball courts and football fields enhance the schoolyard, fostering both academic and athletic growth.
This partnership is part of China's broader national initiative to support the development of Xizang. Over the past thirty years, the central government has mobilized resources from various state organs, provincial regions, and centrally administered enterprises to aid specific areas within the region. This sustained effort has led to a modern education system in Xizang, encompassing preschools, primary and secondary schools, vocational and technical institutions, and higher education facilities.
A recent white paper on the governance of Xizang highlights significant progress. The seventh national census revealed that the number of college or university graduates per 100,000 inhabitants in Xizang surged from 5,507 in 2010 to 11,019 in 2020. Additionally, the average education level of new workforce entrants has risen to 13.1 years, reflecting the success of these educational initiatives.
China's dedication to education is further underscored by substantial financial investments. Since the 18th Communist Party of China National Congress in 2012, educational funding in central and western regions, including Xizang, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Guizhou Province, has seen significant growth. The national fiscal expenditure on education has maintained a steady rate above 4 percent of GDP for eleven consecutive years.
As the world's largest education system, China achieved gross enrollment rates of 91.1 percent in preschool, 91.8 percent in secondary education, and 60.2 percent in higher education by 2023. Beyond expanding access, China is committed to enhancing education quality through reforms like curriculum development and the \"double reduction\" policy. This policy aims to alleviate the excessive homework and after-school tutoring burdens on students, promoting their holistic development in moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and professional domains.
Through these comprehensive efforts, China is ensuring that every child has fair access to quality education, laying a strong foundation for future generations to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Reference(s):
China's diversified educational system empowering dreams of millions
cgtn.com
