China to upgrade basic education focusing on quality and demographic needs

By Benjamin Takpiny

The Chinese Minister for Education Huai Jinpeng on Saturday said that the Chinese government will upgrade basic education focusing on quality and demographic needs in the country.

Huai who spoke during press conference held on the sidelines of the second session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC)- the national legislature  said that to upgrade basic education, the country will further optimize the layout of schools, ensuring the rational allocation of educational resources between urban and rural areas, and improving the conditions at boarding schools in rural areas, as well as at disadvantaged schools in cities and towns.

He revealed that China has the largest basic education system in the world, with 487,900 primary and secondary schools and kindergartens.

Huai said that the Chinese government will work to upgrade its basic education and improve the overall quality of basic education, allowing school-age children to enjoy fairer access to educational resources.

He revealed that the quality of education will also be enhanced to promote the all-round development of students, adding that the country will further strengthen the competence of teachers.

Huai revealed that China will promote scientific education in basic education, which includes inviting scientists and technology professionals to schools and cultivating students’ scientific habits.

“We will focus on fostering talents in areas crucial for the nation’s economic and social development,” Huai said.

Journalists from across the world are in Beijing covering Two Sessions, the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)-the political advisory body in the People’s Republic of China and a central part of the Chinese Communist Party’s united front system.

 Among the journalists in attendance is Benjamin Takpiny the Dawn Newsroom Manager.