May 19th marked the 23rd National Day for Helping the Disabled. That morning, the Open University of China (OUC) Xinjiang School for the Disabled was formally established and the opening ceremony for the first class of students was held. Present at the occasion were Erkenjiang Tulahong, member of the Standing Committee of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Party Committee, and Liu Hua, Vice Secretary-General of Xinjiang Autonomous Region People’s Government. Yan Bing, OUC Vice President and President of the OUC School for the Disabled, and Zhao Dezhong, Secretary of Xinjiang Education Work Commission and Secretary of Xinjiang Department of Education Party Group, unveiled the nameplate for the new school.
At the ceremony, Erkenjiang Tulahong remarked that higher education for the disabled plays an important role in the national education system. Democratized and modernized education in a civilized society naturally demands higher education for the disabled. This education is also a major component of promoting educational equality and implementing lifelong education for all. The School is Xinjiang's first institution of higher education especially for the disabled, and will enable more disabled people to realize their dream of going to college. Erkenjiang noted three requirements for successful operation of the school. First, school leaders must research, plan and prepare well in advance in order to scientifically establish major programmes, rationally expand teaching scale, and allocate qualified faculty. Second, leaders should embrace the latest ideas in university operation, continuously improve teaching management, strive to create a good learning environment, and offer quality learner support. Third, the rights and personal dignity of the disabled must be fully respected, and they should be given special guidance and care in accordance with their circumstances to stimulate their learning enthusiasm and willpower, and help them to overcome difficulties in study and life. In this way, higher education will effectively improve their ability to fulfill their dreams, serve society and change their destinies.
Yan Bing offered his congratulations on the establishment the school. He pointed out that the OUC's education for the disabled provides higher education and job training for disabled persons via distance education. The launch of education for the disabled in Xinjiang not only opens a new operational domain for Xinjiang RTVU, but more importantly, opens up an opportunity for Xinjiang RTVU to serve those with special needs, contribute to the development of a harmonious society, and highlight the societal value of open universities.
President Patamu Balati of Xinjiang RTVU promised to uphold OUC core values and the school's mission to “serve the disabled, promote their psychological and physical well-being, and raise their educational level”. The school will adhere to a people-oriented educational philosophy, actively promote open education for the disabled throughout Xinjiang and gradually expand educational coverage and major programmes for the disabled. It will strive to provide the disabled with top quality educational resources and flexible, diversified and customized learner support.
The ceremony was chaired by Secretary Niu Xiaobo of the Xinjiang RTVU Party Committee. On behalf of the OUC School for the Disabled, Shenzhen RTVU Party Secretary and President Deng Mengzhong read the official authorization of the establishment of “Open University of China Xinjiang School for the Disabled”. Xinjiang Disabled Persons’ Federation and the Xinjiang Department of Education made donations to the OUC Xinjiang School for the Disabled Fund, and student representatives gave speeches.
Xinjiang Disabled Persons' Federation Party Secretary and Chairman Wang Jun, Xinjiang Department of Education Deputy Director-General Haisaer Xiabanbai, OUC Development and Planning Office Director Li Yanzhong and other representatives from the OUC School for the Disabled, Shenzhen RTVU, Xinjiang Department of Education, Xinjiang Disabled Person’s Federation and Urumqi Disabled Persons’ Federation attended the ceremony. Together with the first 113 students of the OUC Xinjiang School for the Disabled and department leaders from Xinjiang RTVU, the total attendance was nearly 200.
By Xinjiang RTVU