Teaching Comparative Government and Politics

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Teach for China

It doesn't quite sound like a modern version of being "sent down." It seems to resemble Teach for America. Or maybe it's just good politics. Watch and see.

President's letter to volunteers sparks passionate discussion about volunteerism
A letter from Chinese President Hu Jintao to volunteers who are teaching in rural areas has sparked passionate discussion among the country's college students and faculty.

In a letter dated May 10, the president spoke highly of work done by 18 graduate students from Peking University, saying that their volunteer project is an effective way to help young students learn from practice.

Hu said he hopes the university will continue the practice and encourage more young students to volunteer in the future.

Chinese college students and teachers saw the President's letter as a sign of attention and expectation from China's leadership, and also as a sign of support for student volunteers who serve in China's underdeveloped western regions…

Volunteerism can not only enhance college students' abilities, but also foster a sense of responsibility among them, said Jiang Yuxin, a Communist Youth League official from Shaanxi Normal University.

University students should carry forward a tradition of volunteerism and go to small towns and villages, bringing their talents to the places where they are truly needed, Jiang said…

In a notice to educational authorities and institutions across the country, the Ministry of Education reiterated the importance of educating through real-life experience and called for more efforts to improve students' volunteering habits.

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