Spotlight falls on elderly learning in Xifeng county

Xinhua community in Xifeng county, in southwest China's Guizhou province, has taken a series of measures to develop learning for its senior citizens, according to local officials.

Officials said the community had established a leadership group for elderly education, with a special support fund of 20,000 yuan ($2,843) every year.

They have also established a team of 16 teachers for the purpose. These include five full-time teachers from Xifeng Vocational and Technical School and 11 part-time teachers from the Xifeng County Education Bureau, Xifeng No 1 Primary School and Yongjing Township Primary School.

They said Xinhua community has also worked hard at improving service facilities. The classroom for the community elderly school covers an area of about 80 square meters and has more than 40 pairs of desks and chairs.

The school has also been equipped with projectors and equipment used for distance education. Moreover, the school has more than 2,000 books and outdoor activity venues covering over 2,000 square meters.

The community also conducts teaching research activities to improve education standards for seniors.

In terms of curriculum setting, the community cross arranges professional courses, theoretical courses and stylistic courses to adapt to the characteristics and needs of senior citizens.

At present, the community elderly school offers eight classes for 130 students and these classes have majors including music, art, dance, computer and fitness.

In addition, the community has carried out more than 20 classes and offered more than 50 training sessions at home to improve the elderly's legal awareness and knowledge of their rights for protection.

The community has actively set up an arts team and volunteer team for seniors to take part in activities, including tomb-sweeping during the Tomb Sweeping Day and making rice dumplings before the Dragon Boat Festival.