To further study and implement the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and to fulfill the objectives set in the 'OUC's Key Tasks for 2023,' there has been a renewed focus on enhancing the quality of education, fostering teaching excellence, and advancing the development of a digital university.

These endeavors aim to bolster the integration of industry with education and the merger of science with education. To this end, the Open University of China (OUC) recently hosted two pivotal events in Shibadong Village, Huayuan County, Hunan Province – recognised as the Rural Revitalisation Talent Training Practice Base. The first was the Special Training Class for Local Rural Revitalisation talent, and the second was the inaugural Talent Development Seminar for the “One College Student Per Village” Programme. Both events, organised by the OUC and generously sponsored by Hunan Open University, attracted a congregation of 58 students and 18 teachers from nine branches, including those from Hunan, Henan, and Zhejiang.

The opening ceremony was graced by notable attendees including Fan Xianrui, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of the OUC; Yang Bin, deputy secretary of the Party Committee and president of Hunan OU; and Liao Lianghui, deputy secretary of the CPC Xiangxi Prefectural Committee of Hunan Province and secretary of the CPC Huayuan County Committee. Representatives from relevant institutions and departments were also present. The proceedings of the opening ceremony were expertly presided over by Li Guangde, dean of the Faculty of Agroforestry and Medicine (Rural Revitalisation College).

Opening Ceremony

Fan Xianrui highlighted the pivotal contributions of the OUC towards establishing a society and nation where lifelong learning is prioritised by all. She underscored the significance of hosting the event at the OUC’s Rural Revitalisation Talent Training Practice Base in Shibaodong Village, the birthplace of the concept of "targeted poverty alleviation." This choice of location not only mirrors the university's proactive stance in adhering to the educational directives associated with the Study and Implementation of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era—principles which underscore "embracing the thought, solidifying political orientation, applying the Party’s contemporary theories, and achieving new milestones"—but it also signifies the university's unwavering dedication to aligning with the nation's strategic development plans by fostering rural talent at the grassroots level. Xianrui further stressed the imperative of optimally utilising the rich practical teaching resources in Shibaodong Village, forging integral links between teaching, research, industry, and alumni communities, and amplifying the university's role in rural revitalisation.

Yang Bin noted that Hunan OU has dedicated itself to educating rural students for 19 consecutive years, thereby offering significant talent support for poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation in Hunan Province. He underscored the instrumental role this initiative plays in bolstering the construction of the OUC's Rural Revitalisation Talent Training Practice Base.

Liao Lianghui stated that the OUC system has significantly supported the student training initiative in Huayuan County over recent years, establishing a distinct labour service brand. This effort has garnered extensive acclaim from the general public, and notable successes have been realised in talent development.

The event encompassed a myriad of formats and was replete with substantive content, comprising specialised lectures, on-site instruction, faculty seminars, and student interactions.

Specialised Lectures

Those invited to deliver specialised lectures included Tian Xiao, the first secretary stationed in Shibadong Village; Professor Zhang Zhenghe from China Agricultural University; and Professor Zhang Qi from Beijing Normal University. Tian Xiao elaborated on the transformative changes in Shibadong Village under the aegis of targeted poverty alleviation. Professor Zhang Zhenghe provided a comprehensive analysis of the county's economic development layout and planning, while Professor Zhang Qi offered a review of China's rural revitalisation policies, shedding light on the trajectory of China's agricultural and rural modernisation.

On-site Teaching

The on-site teaching activities were conducted in several locations, including Shibadong Village, the Zhangjiajie Xiaobeilou Ecological Planting and Breeding Cooperative Base, and the Baihe Germplasm Resource Garden in Longshan County, Xiangxi Prefecture. Distinguished guest lecturers were invited to engage in in-depth discussions with the participating students and teachers on topics related to interest-based e-commerce and its monetisation.

Student Exchanges and Discussions

Outstanding students from diverse fields across all nine provinces were convened for student exchange programmes. They engaged robustly by presenting speeches, discussing their entrepreneurial narratives and personal development trajectories, and deliberating on their experiences in rural governance.

Teacher Seminar

The foremost educators offered critical perspectives and methods for the optimal training of local talent in rural development. They capitalised on the distinct features of their respective branches during the seminar discussions.

Conferment of Completion Certificates

The participants unanimously agreed that this event held exceptional significance. It not only functioned as a pivotal exchange and display platform, but also expanded their perspectives, augmented their knowledge base, heightened their sense of accomplishment, bolstered their pride as OUC students, and reinforced their commitment to contributing steadfastly to rural revitalisation.

Signing Ceremony for the Donation of the Smart Classroom Fund

The OUC Education Foundation of Beijing recently conducted a signing ceremony with Xiangxi OU to fund the development of a smart classroom. This initiative is an integral component of the OUC's Rural Revitalisation Talent Training Practice Base construction.

By Du Ziyi, OUC