Economy

State councilor calls for more support to rural education

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-30 14:08

YINCHUAN-- State Councilor Liu Yandong called for more support for education in China's rural and impoverished areas on the eve of International Children's Day as the country strives to make education more accessible in those areas.

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During a recent trip to China's western Ningxia Hui autonomous region, Liu called for deepening reforms in education as well as improved quality in all levels of rural education.

She said it was important to guarantee the funds for nine-year compulsory education in rural areas, increase subsidies for poor students and provide more support for children left behind by their parents who are working in cities.

Liu called for efforts to build more boarding schools and improve distance-learning facilities in rural areas.

Further, the State Councilor emphasized the importance of training rural teachers and improving their standards of living.