To implement the guiding principles of the National Conference on Education, advance the "OUC Comprehensive Reform Plan”, actively fulfill the educational support for key counties of national rural revitalisation as designated by the Ministry of Education, and promote the development of the open university system, from 11 to 14 September 2024, Zhou Tianming, vice president of the Open University of China (OUC), led a delegation to conduct field research in Butuo County, Sichuan Province, a key county for national rural revitalization supported by the OUC. The delegation focused on themes such as "educational assistance", "system construction", and the "15th Five-Year Development Plan."

The delegation also held discussions with Liangshan Open University and the Open University of Sichuan (SCOU).

In Butuo County, Zhou Tianming and his delegation met with Jidi Nicong, Standing Committee member of Butuo County and executive deputy county mayor, and Asheng Ergui, Party secretary and director of the Education, Sports, Science and Technology Bureau in Butuo County, along with other relevant department heads. They had in-depth discussions to understand the educational needs of Butuo County, the preparations for the establishment of Butuo Branch of Liangshan Open University, and the challenges and issues faced in their work. They also discussed the "15th Five-Year" education development plan for Butuo County. On behalf of the OUC, Zhou Tianming donated books provided by the OUC’s Publishing and Media Group to Butuo County.

The delegation also visited Butuo County Ethnic Primary School and Yisa Primary School to conduct field research and understand the effectiveness of previous support efforts.

At Liangshan Open University, Zhou Tianming and his delegation held discussions with Xu Junhong, deputy director of the Education and Sports Bureau of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, and Huang Xue, president of Liangshan Open University. They thoroughly investigated the development of open education, community education, and elderly education in Liangshan Prefecture and discussed the future development of Liangshan Open University.

At SCOU, Zhou Tianming and his delegation met with Wang Ling, Party secretary and president of SCOU, Liu Chunlong, vice president, and other relevant department heads. They discussed the construction of the SCOU system, the implementation of development assistance projects, and the comprehensive promotion of high-quality development of the open university in line with the guiding principles of the National Conference on Education.

Wang Tao, vice president of SCOU, and the head of the Development Planning and External Cooperation Office accompanied the research activities. Personnel from the OUC's Department of Reform and Development (Office of Research Management), Secretariat of OUC Education Foundation (Alumni Liaison Office), and the Rural Revitalisation College also participated in the activities.

Written by Rural Revitalisation College

Photos by Li Ruifu and Sichuan Open University