Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 1, No. 21 October 5, 1938

Education in China

Education in China

The origin of modern Chinese education may bo traced back to the middle of the nineteenth century, when a number of Chinese began to study foreign languages with a view to acquiring new knowledge of Western sciences. Technical, naval and military sciences were studied, because the reformers of the day thought those subjects were the Instruments by which Western powers gained their power and supremacy.

The beginning of this century saw the formation of modern higher education. After years of endeavour on the part of the Government and people considerable success has been achieved. There has been a phenomenal increase in the number, of schools, with improved equipment, methods and teaching personnel. Universities and higher educational institutions have developed, and in view of the financial stringency and economic depression of the country as a whole, the progress is indeed remarkable.

That China sees in education a way for revival and resurrection is demonstrated in the attitude of the Government. No previous Government has ever adopted such a definite policy towards higher education as the National Government in Nanking in 1927. Emphasis has been moved from arts to sciences, there being restrictions on the number of students allowed to take an arts course. This shifting of emphasis was done in order to meet the urgent need of society for trained technicians to accelerate the economic development.

For the masses, a scheme of adult education was adopted in 1929. and in order to combat illiteracy, in 1936 (August) a six-year programme was formed. When the universal education campaign was launched it was thought that character-learning constituted its main purpose—but experience has proved that good citizenship must be the goal of education. The Six-year Plan is strictly in keeping with this purpose, and it is hoped that upon its consummation every citizen of China will be able to gain requisite beneficial knowledge, and the basic idea of good living, on which the progress of society and the nation depends so much.—V.E.

The Dramatic Club will hold their Annual General Meeting: this Thursday, October 6th. It is most important that there should be a full attendance.