On 18th April 2023, a delegation led by Zhan Cangzhou, the president of Xiamen Senior-Citizen University, and Tang Ning, the president of Xiamen Open University, visited the Seniors University of China (SUC), also known as the Open University of China (OUC), for an investigation.
The round-table meeting was attended by Jing Degang, the secretary of the Party Committee and president of the OUC, along with Liu Chen, the deputy secretary of the OUC Party Committee, and other relevant staff members. The two sides discussed the current state of senior education, system construction, and course resources, exchanging their views on the matter.
Jing emphasized that Zhan and his delegation's investigation visit to the OUC reflects the high value placed by the Xiamen Municipal CPC Committee and Xiamen Municipal People's Government on elderly education. He provided an overview of the establishment and development vision of the SUC, highlighting the OUC's extensive experience, advantages, and resources in developing universities for older adults. With the support of a senior education public service platform, an empowering value-added service model for senior education, and a selective integrated service platform, the OUC provides an inclusive public service. The university offers a range of course systems, including proactive health, leisure and entertainment, skills enhancement, and educational attainment, enabling seniors to "enjoy their golden years while learning".
Jing acknowledged that Xiamen Senior-Citizen University has followed a modern approach to elderly education with unique Xiamen characteristics, which aligns with current trends and reflects its nearly 40-year development. The development of a seniors university is not solely the responsibility of the education system, but of the entire society. He warmly welcomed Xiamen Senior-Citizen University to join forces with the OUC in contributing towards the construction of the SUC through collaborative efforts.
Zhan presented an overview of Xiamen Senior-Citizen University, highlighting its policy formulation, work mechanism, system construction, new campus construction, and teaching reform initiatives. He noted that Xiamen Senior-Citizen University and Xiamen Open University have a strong foundation of cooperation in advancing local elderly education. Both parties expressed their readiness to collaborate within the SUC educational system, working closely together to jointly construct and share high-quality curriculum resources and high-level teaching staff. By leveraging each other's strengths, they aim to create new models and pathways for the high-quality development of elderly education.
The attendees reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing communication and contacts, establishing effective cooperation mechanisms, and collectively contributing towards the development of high-quality senior education.
Zhan and his delegation also visited the OUC's "Internet Plus" University Operation Exhibition Centre and the SUC's exhibition titled "Opening a New Chapter of Senior Education in China." During the visit, Liu Chen provided a detailed introduction to the history of the SUC and its establishment.
Written by Zhang Jingzhuo and photographed by Zhuge Huanyu and Wang Ruyan, OUC