Long-distance learning
Long-distance learning should be developed to provide a possible solution to the lack of educational resources in rural areas. Despite the injection of central and local government funds over recent years, many students in rural areas still miss out on a full education.
Long-distance education, such as over the Internet, is a way to bypass material shortages and also offers students the flexibility to choose when, where and what to learn. The system would have to be set up so that it reaches all the remote parts of the country and would therefore need plenty of technical support.
Proposed by: Henry Cheng Kar-shun
CPPCC member and general manager of Hong Kong New World Development Co Ltd.
Bigger roles for society, families
Society and family should play larger roles in the education of young people in rural areas. The current situation is that very few children make it beyond high school, while those who quit find it extremely difficult to find jobs. Frustrated and disillusioned, some experience downward spirals, even into crime.
Local governments should provide opportunities for these young people to receive vocational education, as well as guidance for those entering the labor market. Neighborhood facilities should also be built to offer cultural activities.
Proposed by: Wang Sheng
NPC deputy and headmaster of Jiangsu Qidong Middle School.
National committee for 'left-behind' children
The country needs a national committee for the protection of minors to ensure the rights and interests of children, particularly the millions of rural children who have been left behind by parents who work in cities.
There are about 58 million "left-behind" children, accounting for almost 22 percent of all rural children aged 17 or younger, according to a report by the All-China Women's Federation released last month. A national agency for minors is needed to coordinate with different departments across the country to come up with a framework to better protect juveniles as well as supervise the work of local committees in 346 cities. The committee for the protection of minors could be under the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League.
Proposed by: Erkenjiang Tulahong
CPPCC member and secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China.
(China Daily March 13, 2008)