President Xi Jinping Commends Rural Teachers Ahead of Teachers' Day

On September 9, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping, who also holds the roles of general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the Central Military Commission, expressed his appreciation for teachers across the nation in anticipation of Teachers' Day. In a letter directed to eight representatives from the Special-Post Teachers Program, he emphasized the importance of improving teaching methods to cultivate well-rounded young individuals who possess strong morals, intellectual capabilities, physical health, artistic appreciation, and practical skills essential for contributing to the socialist mission.

The letter was a response to teachers involved in a program supported by the central government that has seen approximately 1.18 million university graduates deployed to teach in rural regions of central and western China since its inception in 2006. This initiative has reached over 30,000 schools across more than 1,000 counties in 22 provinces. In his correspondence, Xi acknowledged the commitment and sense of duty exhibited by these educators, a quality he described as essential for effective teaching. He encouraged them to remain true to their educational mission and to play a significant role in fostering the healthy development of children.

Additionally, Premier Li Qiang reiterated the importance of the program, urging educators to focus their efforts in areas where their skills are most needed. He called on them to make a meaningful contribution toward enhancing the country's educational framework, reinforcing the government's commitment to education as a cornerstone of national development.