On 16 October, the Open University of China (OUC, also known as Seniors University of China, SUC) held the 2024 National Elderly Education Dance Teaching Achievement Exhibition at Qingdao Veteran University for the Aged.
This event aims to thoroughly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important directives on aging-related and educational work, comprehensively study and implement the guiding principles of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the guiding principles of the National Conference on Education, and contribute to building a society and country of learning where lifelong learning is pursued by all.
Attendees included Fan Xianrui, a member of the Party Committee and vice president of the OUC(SUC); Tao Xingcheng, deputy secretary-general of the Qingdao Municipal People's Government; Sun Gang, secretary of the Party Committee and director of the Qingdao Municipal Veterans Affairs Bureau; Shan Wei, a member of the Party Committee and vice chairman of the Qingdao Federation of Literary and Art Circles; Hao Li, deputy director of Qingdao Media Group; and Li Minggang, secretary of the Party Committee, and Han Changli, deputy secretary of the Party Committee of Qingdao Open University.
Fan Xianrui attended the event and delivered a speech.
Fan Xianrui highlighted that serving the national strategy of actively addressing population aging is a glorious mission entrusted to the university by the Party and the state. This dance teaching achievement exhibition, held for the fourth consecutive year by the SUC in collaboration with its branches, demonstrates the spirits of lifelong learning, proactive health maintenance, and positive attitude of the elderly in the new era, and has received widespread attention and praise from all sectors of society. She stressed the importance of system collaboration and shared development, continuing to carry out teaching achievement exhibitions, making them a prominent feature of elderly education nationwide. She emphasised the need to continue to expand and strengthen the SUC, focus on accelerating the university's construction and development in terms of institutional mechanisms, funding guarantees, school-operational systems, public service platforms, course resources, teaching workforce, teaching modes, digital and intelligent empowerment, scientific research, and international exchanges, thereby making greater contributions to building a leading country in education and a learning society.
Li Minggang introduced the development achievements of Qingdao Open University for the Aged: Firstly, it has strengthened the system, established a four-tier elderly education working system, created 27 star-rated elderly education demonstration sites, and set up 30 seniors education colleges. Secondly, it has innovated educational modes, offered featured courses such as intangible cultural heritage, achieved the integration between open education's calligraphy studies and elderly education courses. Thirdly, it has empowered digital platforms, developed the "Lifelong Learning Network”, a digital platform for lifelong education in Qingdao. Fourthly, it has strengthened its distinctive brand, carried out "Smart Assistance for the Elderly" initiatives in communities, and hosted the SUC's dance teaching achievement exhibitions twice.
At the event site, some award-winning works were presented. The atmosphere was lively. With full enthusiasm and beautiful dances, elderly students showcased the SUC’s teaching achievements and learners’ positive demeanor. Relevant leaders also presented awards to the winning units, and a representative from the Ningbo Branch made a speech on behalf of them. Over 300 people participated in the exhibition.
By OUC