On the 20th of February, 2021, the maiden reading and presentation session on the 3rd Volume of The Governance of China by President Xi Jinping organized by China–Africa Relationship Think Tank (CART) was held at Tencent Meeting. The session was facilitated by Group one (1) on the topic, “The People as Masters of the Country.”

      Before the presentation, were speeches from the Acting Patron of CART, Dr. Abdul Nazif Mahmud, and Patron, Prof. Gao Jing. Dr. Abdul entreated overseas students to emulate the ideals of China to help build their respective countries to the highest standard. Professor Gao Jing outlined the rules and regulations governing the conduct of the reading session and the core aim of establishing the Reading Club. She stated that the reading sessions are geared towards imbibing the good ideals, culture, leadership skills, and development agenda in participants. 

       Group one (1) led by Miss Safa, shared insightful lessons on the sub-topics: (1) A better life for all the people, (2) the people are the greatest strength in governance, (3) always put people first and (4) never fail the people. 

      Questions were asked from all judges and some of the audience present after which a discussion ensued among the participants of the reading session. 

      Key issues discussed were:

      The latest inventions of China, thus, Alipay, high-speed train, online shopping and bike-sharing.

      Core values of Chinese Culture such as – Harmony, Benevolence, Respect, and Righteousness should be held in high esteem.

      Emulating the best ideals of socialism political philosophy for accelerated development and eradicating poverty by other countries.

      Examples for the unity spirit of Chinese people.

      Incorporating the great experience in China into our studies.

      After the event, all the judges presented incredible reports regarding the reading club and the performance of the participants and how the events will go along away to contribute to the development and win-win cooperation between China and the African countries. Some of their comment includes: 

       Ms. Feng Yun, the Deputy Director of International Office, emphasized the understanding of the group on their topic “The first group has done a great job. They do not only told us what they have learned from the chapter titled "The People as Masters of the Country”, but also shared with us their understanding and opinions, which were most attractive and impressive to me.”

       Mr. Wu Peng, the vice dean of the School of Foreign languages, indicated his impression about the questions and answers “I am particularly impressed by the questions and answers from the judges and participants. I can imagine that not every well-educated Chinese can raise questions and offer answers on President Xi’s governance thoughts in such a satisfactory way, which I admire very much. It seems to me that the only problem in their reports is that some of the reporters do not have a crystal understanding of the cultural background of President Xi's thoughts, which may hinder them from understanding President Xi's thoughts in depth. I sincerely hope that all the students in our university can have an opportunity to join this meaningful reading club in the future.”

       Prof. Gao Jing, the Overseas Education College Party Secretary, was very impressed about the group one presentation and wish more students can join the subsequent presentation to learn and understand the stories in the chapters “I wish our students could understand the stories in the related chapter, such as the Yugong removing mountains, Pangu creating the world etc., which will be very helpful to understand Chinese people with a great spirit of dreams .”

       Associate Professor Sun Xuhong also indicated some shortcomings of the group one (1) presentation “First of all,students should understand the overall framework of the book. As far as this book is concerned, it is to understand the new situation and new problems in development and practices since the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.  The speakers need to go deep into why the Chinese Communist Party adheres to the “people-centered” approach for poverty alleviation and a better life for the people.” 

       Finally, Ms. Wang Limin, one of the judges and the Party Secretary of the School of Management shared her views on the presentation; “Today I am so happy we shared a wonderful afternoon. Group one (1) did a wonderful presentation; judges and presenters shared brilliant questions and answers. More and more overseas students are engaging in learning and sharing the series learning of the 3rd volume. I am sure through such kind of communication the understanding will be better and deeper. We can learn how the country has been striving to build a bright future for socialism with Chinese characteristics and what changes have taken place in China under the leadership of the CPC.” 

       The reading session was moderated by the Managing Director of CART, Mr. Selorm Yao-Say Solomon Adade. CART Board Members and patrons are grateful for the immense support expressed by our teachers and International students during our programs. We, therefore, look forward to this overwhelming support in the 2nd reading session scheduled for Saturday 27th, 2021. We are expecting over 100 students in the second session please do not hesitate to register on time to enjoy the benefits of the reading club. Together we can cooperate for a shared future. 

(OEC)