From 27 to 29 May 2024, Liu Xuanxuan, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of the Open University of China (OUC, also known as Seniors University of China, SUC), led a delegation to conduct research on elderly education at Xinjiang Open University and the Open University of Bingtuan, among other institutions.

During the visit, a ceremony was held to inaugurate the Bingtuan Branch of the SUC.

On 27 May, Liu Xuanxuan attended a symposium on elderly education at the Open University of Bingtuan and participated in the unveiling ceremony of the SUC Bingtuan Branch. The event was attended by Jiang Hongchao, a member of the Party Leadership Group and deputy director (Aid to Xinjiang) of the Bingtuan Education Bureau; Xin Geng, secretary of the Party Committee; and Yang Miaosen, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and president of the Open University of Bingtuan, along with other members of the university leadership team.

During the unveiling ceremony, Xin Geng stated that the Bingtuan Branch would adhere to the educational philosophy of the SUC, which emphasises "cultivating virtue, pursuing lifelong learning, proactively maintaining health, embracing a joyful life, and achieving positive accomplishments." He emphasised that the branch would continue to focus on system construction, platform development, curriculum construction, and brand activities to promote high-quality development in elderly education within Bingtuan.

At the symposium, Liu Xuanxuan fully recognised the achievements of the Open University of Bingtuan in advancing elderly education over recent years. She provided a detailed review of the SUC’s accomplishments since its inception and highlighted that moving forward, the SUC will actively promote the "Ten Major Actions" by utilizing the strength of the entire education system, pooling societal resources, and embracing digitalisation. This approach will drive high-quality development in elderly education and provide crucial support for lifelong learning for everyone.

Jiang Hongchao pointed out that Bingtuan would accelerate the development of education for the elderly, expand its scale, and continuously meet the diverse learning needs of older adults. The Bingtuan Branch should leverage the course resources and faculty of the SUC, build momentum, seize opportunities, and rise to the occasion to contribute to the goals of providing learning opportunities, enjoyment, care, and a sense of value and accomplishment for the elderly.

Yang Miaosen introduced the basic situation, achievements, challenges, and future plans of elderly education at the Open University of Bingtuan.

On 29 May, Liu Xuanxuan visited Xinjiang Open University to review its elderly education programmes and participated in a symposium on the topic. The event was attended by Anwar Maimaitiming, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and president; Kang Dewu, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission; and Zhou Guodong, a member of the Party Committee and director of the Publicity Department at Xinjiang Open University.

At the symposium, Liu Xuanxuan strongly affirmed the pioneering efforts and achievements of Xinjiang Open University in elderly education. She shared the successful strategies implemented by the SUC in this field and highlighted the main areas for future focus. She also expressed hope that Xinjiang Open University would enhance cooperation and exchanges with various institutions involved in elderly education at all levels, expand the scope and reach of these programmes, and promote high-quality development in the elderly education sector in Xinjiang.

Anwar Maimaitiming stated that Xinjiang Open University would continue to deepen comprehensive reforms, improve and optimize education for the elderly, and provide more convenient learning opportunities and high-quality educational services for senior citizens. This effort aims to make their later years more fulfilling and meaningful.

Zhou Guodong discussed the efforts of Xinjiang Open University in establishing a system and mechanisms for elderly education. He highlighted the development of both online and offline course resources, faculty development, and the establishment of educational bases.

Liu Xuanxuan and her delegation conducted field research at Kashgar Open University and the Eighth Division of Shihezi City Open University . The research team included Yang Miaosen, Zhou Guodong, staff from the Teaching and Academic Affairs Centre and Seniors College of the SUC, the General Office of Party and Administration of the OUC, the Training College of Xinjiang Open University, and the Academic Affairs Office of the Open University of Bingtuan. During the visit, Liu Xuanxuan, on behalf of the OUC (SUC), extended heartfelt greetings and warm regards to Wang Yongfeng and Yang Shijian, cadres from the OUC who are supporting Xinjiang.

Contributed by SUC