China to Teach ‘Core Socialist Values’ in Schools

Schools in China have begun incorporating the country’s Core Socialist Values — an official interpretation of Chinese socialism — in their daily lesson plans and activities.

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A number of primary and middle schools across several provinces have implemented the practice of reciting them daily, while others are teaching entire courses.

"Learning the core values can make the younger generation better understand their responsibilities. It is a moral impetus to make students become better people," Li Shenghui, a middle school math teacher in Guangzong, North China's Hebei Province told the Global Times.

The ethical codes were first defined at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012.

There are 12 in all, which are written in 24 Chinese characters.

According to the People's Daily, the values include prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony, freedom, equality, justice, the rule of law, patriotism, dedication, integrity and friendship.

The campaign to teach the values in schools first began in 2015. In Beijing, soon all teachers at kindergarten, primary and middle schools will be required to take courses in 2018.

Local governments in the country have also worked to put the principles in action.

The city of Chaohu in East China’s Anhui Province, during its Spring Festivals, encourages good deeds among its residents as they hang lanterns with the values printed on them in celebration.

While Xuzhou, a city in East China’s Jiangsu Province has also organized speech contests on the topic of the core values.