In order to recognise outstanding women individuals, set examples for the others, and inspire women to cultivate self-respect, confidence, independence, and self-reliance, as well as to encourage them to forge ahead on a new journey and contribute to the new era by actively participating in the modernization of China, the All-China Women's Federation recently held a commemorative event for International Women's Day (March 8th) and an Awards Ceremony in Beijing.
A total of 15 students or graduates from the Open University of China (OUC) system were awarded the “National March 8th Red-Banner Holders”. Let us listen to the inspiring stories behind them.
LIU Shengping, a Law student at Dazu College of Chongqing Branch, is the Party Branch Secretary and Principal of Baoding Town Experimental Primary School in Dazu District, Chongqing City.
With over thirty years in the frontline of basic education, LIU has leveraged the rich cultural heritage of Dazu Rock Carvings and pioneered the “Stone Soul Education” system. She integrated this ancient art into ideological education through unique programmes like “Little Stone Carving Tour Guides” and “Little Stone Soul Craftspersons”. LIU also formed the city’s first choir for left-behind children, providing them with opportunities for international cultural exchange.
The school-based course “Little Stone Carving Tour Guides”, which she spearheaded, was awarded the “Chongqing Municipal Moral Education Excellence Prize”. With strong support from the Dazu District Education Commission, it was upgraded to a local curriculum and promoted across the district, helping to pass on the cultural legacy of the Dazu Rock Carvings.
As a leader in rural education, LIU has devoted herself to improving school conditions and building a collaborative “school-family-community” education network. She has successfully established her school as an exemplary case for “National Warm and Welcoming Rural Campus Construction”, for “School-Family-Community Co-Education in Chongqing”, and for “High-Quality ‘Double Reduction’ (to ease the burden of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring for students undergoing compulsory education) Implementation in Chongqing”.
She leads master teacher studios at both municipal and district-level, nurturing over 30 renowned teachers and administrative cadres in Chongqing. Many of her practical research has been promoted and published within and beyond Chongqing.
LIU’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including “National Model Teacher” and “Chongqing March 8th Red-Banner Pace-Setter”. She is celebrated by the media as a beacon of rural educational revitalisation. For her, the greatest praise is becoming the “Principal Mom” of her students.
Joint Planned by Department of Student Affairs and Teacher Development
Source: OUC-Sichuan Xiaowei, Jianlong Group,
Baoding Town Experimental Primary School