On 8 May 2023, Yang Wensheng, the deputy director of the Bureau of Retired Cadres in the Shanxi Provincial Party Committee, and president of Shanxi University for the Aged, along with Qi Liping, the secretary of the Party Committee of Shanxi Open University, led a delegation to visit the Open University of China (OUC), also known as the Seniors University of China (SUC).
Joining them at the roundtable meeting were Liu Ying, a high-ranking officer (Grade II) of the Department of Vocational and Adult Education within the Ministry of Education, Liu Chen, the deputy secretary of the OUC Party Committee, and Liu Xiaonan, the deputy head of the OUC School for Older Adults. During the meeting, both sides engaged in a fruitful discussion concerning the current state of elderly education, potential areas of collaboration, and the development of curriculum resources.
Liu Ying shared her concerns and acknowledged the progress made in senior education within Shanxi Province. She emphasized that senior education in this new era entails novel historical responsibilities and encompasses a wealth of valuable content. When it comes to running the university, it is crucial for us to deepen our comprehension of the educational objectives that encompass fostering virtue, learning, health, happiness, and accomplishment. By maintaining a steadfast focus on these principles, we can enthusiastically drive the innovative development of seniors' universities and community-based senior education initiatives.
Liu Chen stressed the significance of President Yang and his delegation's visit to the SUC, which coincided with the comprehensive study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era across the Party. He highlighted that this visit exemplifies the immense value attached by the CPC Shanxi Provincial Committee and the Shanxi Provincial People's Government to senior education. Liu Chen proceeded to provide an overview of the establishment and developmental vision of the SUC, emphasizing the vast expertise, advantages, and resources of the OUC in creating universities tailored for older adults. Through the support of an inclusive senior education public service platform, an integrated online-offline empowering platform, and an ability-enhancing platform focusing on "healthcare and wellness, learning and traveling," the OUC offers a diverse range of course systems. These include proactive health, leisure and entertainment, skill enhancement, and educational enrichment, enabling seniors to embrace their golden years while pursuing lifelong learning opportunities.
Liu acknowledged the modern approach adopted by Shanxi University for the Aged in the realm of elderly education, incorporating distinctive Shanxi characteristics. This approach is in line with current trends and is a testament to its nearly four decades of development. Liu recognized that the establishment and growth of a seniors' university is not solely the responsibility of the education system but requires the active involvement of the entire society. He warmly welcomed Shanxi University for the Aged to join hands with the SUC, working together in a collaborative endeavor to contribute to the development and construction of the SUC.
Yang Wensheng presented an overview of Shanxi University for the Aged, shedding light on its current state and curriculum resources pertaining to elderly education. He emphasized that the SUC places great emphasis on addressing the national strategy while proactively responding to the challenges posed by an aging population. Leveraging the benefits of modern information technology, the university has successfully amassed a wealth of engaging course materials that have garnered significant popularity among the elderly learners. Yang expressed his hope for the two sides to achieve mutual benefits and foster collaborative development through the sharing of teaching resources and conducting research on teaching theories in the future.
Qi Liping affirmed that this investigation serves as a tangible implementation of the thematic education campaign focused on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This signifies the significance attributed to the field of senior education by both the Organisation Department of the CPC Shanxi Provincial Committee and the provincial Department of Education. It represents a practical response to the evolving demands of senior education and underscores the commitment to serving the people through practical initiatives. Furthermore, during their visit to the SUC, they personally experienced the deep sense of purpose and mission that underpins senior education.
Yang and the accompanying delegation also paid a visit to the "Internet Plus University" Operation Exhibition Centre at the OUC, where they gained insights into its development trajectory and notable accomplishments. Their primary focus was to observe the exhibition titled "Opening a New Chapter of Senior Education in China," which showcased the remarkable progress made by the SUC.
Both sides reiterated their strong determination to strengthen communication and establish effective channels of contact, aiming to foster robust cooperation mechanisms. Their shared objective is to make concerted efforts in advancing the development of high-quality senior education, working hand in hand towards this common goal.
By Zhang Jingzhuo, OUC