On 18 November, 2023, the Open University of China (OUC) Experimental School, in collaboration with Meituan, a leading technology-driven retail company, hosted a welcome ceremony for the 2023 autumn semester's Whole Network Education Programme.
Themed "With the Original Intention as Swings, Fly High to Realise Your Dream at the OUC", this event marked the commencement of a new educational journey for students.
Sun Hongfei, director of the Experimental School of the OUC, delivered a speech centered around the theme of "change". He discussed the evolving landscape of national education, the transformation within the OUC, the developments at the Experimental School, and the progression of its students. In the context of these "changes", he outlined three key expectations for the students: to accurately recognise and adapt to change, to study with enthusiasm and dedication in response to these changes, and to proactively seek innovation and be bold in pioneering efforts. He expressed his hope that the students would harbor a dream, demonstrate diligence and perseverance, actively identify, respond to, and initiate change, and embrace the responsibility of contributing to the nation's strength through simplicity and righteousness. He aspired for them to excel in their careers, guided by these principles.
Zhao Yinghua, head of the Learner Development Centre at Meituan Delivery Partners, inspired the new students in her speech by urging them to consistently do the right thing to strengthen their inner resilience. She emphasised the importance of maintaining a zest for learning, broadening horizons, and developing the ability to address challenges in a dynamic, adaptive, and transcendent manner. Zhao expressed her hope that the students will meet her expectations by staying grounded, working diligently, remaining true to their original goals in their everyday lives and work, and making meaningful contributions with a persistent heart.
Xie Jun, a course coordinator for the Law major in the Humanities and Law Teaching and Research Department at the Experimental School, addressed the students on behalf of the faculty. Drawing from his personal academic and professional journey, he offered the students valuable advice. He encouraged them to continually pursue knowledge, remain steadfast in their endeavours, strive wholeheartedly to accomplish their goals, and ensure that they leave no stone unturned in their life's journey.
The representatives of students who received the "Lifelong Learning Scholarship" and "Stipend for Students Advancing from Junior College to Graduate Level" were also honoured at the event. Additionally, they connected online with Tang Zhiyuan, the winner of the "Excellence Training Plan" project. In August of this year, the Experimental School collaborated with the OUC Education Foundation to provide tuition assistance to students impacted by the flooding. During the welcome ceremony, the beneficiary students presented a banner as a token of their appreciation for the Foundation's charitable support and assistance.
It has been reported that the collaborative project between Meituan and OUC, titled "Helping Delivery Workers Go to College," has successfully enabled 320 delivery workers to fulfill their dreams of attending college. Many of these workers have achieved job promotions as a result of their studies. During the event, Meituan presented Zhang Yan, a distinguished student, with a job promotion offer.
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Liu Jinliang, honored as a "Capital Citizen Learning Star," shared his reflections and insights on studying at the Experimental School. "Turning learning into a way of life" aptly describes Liu Jinliang's approach. This philosophy not only inspires him but also lends significance to his actions. Liu Jinliang encourages all students to embark on a journey of self-discovery and to find their own direction.
Peng Qinglin, the delivery boy who heroically jumped off a bridge to save a man, also received an acceptance letter from the Experimental School and began his educational journey at OUC. At the event, Peng Qinglin gave a speech representing the new students. He expressed his belief that learning is a continuous journey of self-discovery and that one should never give up. "The advantage of online courses is that they allow you to use your spare time for study and self-improvement. I hope that in this new phase, I can learn alongside my classmates and meet a better version of myself!"
The welcome ceremony was conducted in a hybrid format, with over 80 attendees present on-site, including leaders from the relevant departments of the OUC, key representatives from Meituan, and student delegates. Additionally, more than 2,000 freshmen joined the event through a video link, collectively ushering in the new semester.
By OUC Experimental School