China
Minister Zhou Ji outlines education development map
Source: CCTV.com | 10-21-2007 11:28
Special Report: 17th CPC National Congress |
| Zhou Ji |
China is for the first time, putting education as the country's top priority. The aim is to build a nation strong in talent resources. The commitment was made at the 17th National Congress of CPC , which concluded Sunday in Beijing. The Minister of Education, Zhou Ji outlined the road map for how China will tie with a country rich in human resources by the year 2020.
China's Minister of Education Zhou Ji says placing education development as the country's top priority is a noble cause. However, it also means great responsibility.
Zhou Ji said, "China has a population of 1.3 billion. Such a large population will become a big burden to the country if it's not well educated. However, a good education would transform the population into a rich pool of talented human resource. Emphasis on education development is the most effective way of transforming the pressure of our huge population, into a human resource advantage."
The minister says, to build a nation with strong human resources has three requirements. First, to ensure that everyone gets a complete education. Second, to improve the quality of that education at all levels. And third, to help train people to become more innovative.
Zhou Ji said, "Now we have completed the nine year compulsory education. Before 2020, we should popularize the senior middle school education to cover the whole nation, that is 12 year compulsory education. After middle school, 40 percent of students should go to colleges to receive higher education, the remaining 60 percent should receive vocational education before entering the labor market."
The minister also says China will allocate 50 billion yuan every year to help around 20 million students afford college education. China now has 260 million students in schools. Millions more are receiving adult education and training courses in various forms. To help every child go to school and ensure their education quality is the ongoing commitment of the Chinese government.
Editor:Du Xiaodan
