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In Memory of 1977 College Entrance Exam
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The year 1977 is unforgettable for many Chinese people - it was the year when the national college entrance examination was resumed after being abolished for 11 years during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). More than five million Chinese people aged from 15 to 36 sat the exam that year. It changed the lives of many who went on to achieve greatness in various fields.
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- "Those who graduated from 1966 to 1976 wanted to sit te exam. The oldest was 30. My aunt, who was 28, and had a daughter, also took the exam in 1977."
- " When we sat the exam, it was different to how it is now. There were two people sitting at one table. At that time, people were honest. I did not look at the other person´s exam paper and he did not look at mine. I remember writing much more than he did. I still think about whether he passed or not."
Education for Ethnic Groups
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Today, even in the most remote places, children can realize their dreams and live the life they choose. In 1997, ten years of the first entrance exam, the Chinese government passed its compulsory education law, and so doing implemented 9 years of compulsory of education.
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- Duoji: "My favorite class is English and my teacher is very funny. She always tells us all kinds of stories. After class we can go to her apartment to read books and surf the Internet. We can also listen to Internet songs."
- Duoji´s Father: "Duoji was five when he went to school. Since that time I have never treated him like a child. I always said to him, Duoji, you are a man and I am too. I help students to learn and you must learn too for your country. Now China has nine years of compulsory schooling and we don´t have to pay tuition and you even eat for free. The government gives you all this so, you have no reason not to study hard."
Study Abroad
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Now as people can freely travel overseas as study at western universities, coming back to China, they get to share their much-needed skills and experience. These enrichments as well as understanding of western culture has proved invaluable in local business and international scene.
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- "If I did not go abroad to study, I probably would not have started my own company and would most likely be working at a research institute."
- "We had to pay our own training fee if we studied abroad. In 1997 it was about 40,000 yuan. While busy with exams, I worried about the money. At that time we had to pay those training fees, but now our country has really opened up and now students don´t worry about the money any more."
Vocational Education
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There are those who are not lucky enough to receive graduate degrees. Many disadvantaged people, e.g., migrant workers, who make the big move to the city, only have a middle school education. These people are learning how to self-study so that they can improve their lots in life.
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- "In 2004, I qualified to work at the China Migrant Women Organization. I attended a lot of skills courses and activities, including writing courses, computer training and even marriage and family training. I think that until now the most important training for me is the gender training held by UNESCO. That training opens doors for me..."
- "Through the training, I suddenly no longer felt confused. The training made me realise that, I have the right to choose my life. I am no longer burdened. I am free."
