The 2nd reading session of the 3rd Volume of the book “The Governance of China” by President Xi Jinping was held on Saturday 27th February 2021. The event was organized by the China–Africa Relationship Think Tank (CART) and supported by the Overseas Education College (OEC). This session attracted over 100 Chinese and International students, and also renowned teachers and professors. The event was held both offline at the O.E.C conference room and online via the Tencent meeting platform. The topic for discussion was “Poverty Elimination and a Moderately Prosperous Society”. The topic coincided with a remarkable achievement of extreme poverty eradication in China, announced by President Xi Jinping on Last Thursday’s national commendation conference.

    Miss Pheona (group leader) and her two groupmates led the session with an exhilarating presentation on China’s fight and victory against extreme poverty backed by concrete data and references from extensive research.  

The presentation was divided into four sections: 

      (1) complete the work of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, 

      (2) a new chapter in the fight against poverty, 

      (3) win the battle against poverty, 

      (4) deliver the two assurance and three guarantees.

      The discussion centered on areas that governments and individuals can observe and relate much easier in the fight against poverty at all levels. The presentation revealed three key areas that China utilized in the fight against extreme poverty, thus, education for all, safe drinking water, and shelter.  

     It was further revealed at the session that, China's journey to eradicate extreme poverty was successful due to effective leadership and unity among the different governance levels, from the bottom to the highest level. Chinese citizens' consistent hard work and belief in policies and frameworks set by their leadership also, played an essential role in the fight against extreme poverty.

    After their presentation, the judges commended them for an incredible performance, outstanding team spirit among the group members, and quality PPT. They also followed every detail of the presentation and asked questions to ensure the references and data provided were accurate and not misleading.       Finally, the judges pointed out that the Chinese people are focused on making sure that they teach their partners how to catch fish instead of giving them fish to contribute build a community with a shared future. They also encouraged the students to be the ambassadors of their various countries in China, used what they learned from the book to contribute to poverty alleviation in their countries. Students were also inspired to learn from the national honorary title awardee, Zhao Yafu, an agricultural researcher who worked in Chinese countryside for over 48 years, teaching farmers advanced planting techniques and helping them improve their output and income. The present teachers reminded students that book learning is not only the way to acquire Chinese wisdom and experience to overcome poverty. They should also take the opportunities to experience China by visiting countryside and participate in agricultural modernization. 

   Present at the event were Prof. Jin Lifu (Director of the department of Publicity), Prof. Gao Jing (OEC Party Secretary and Patron of CART), 4 judges from International Office, School of Management, School of Foreign Language and School of Marxism, OEC staffs, and CART  executives. The event was moderated by Mr. Selorm Adade, Managing Director of CART.

    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 3rd reading session scheduled for Saturday 6th March 2021.

(OEC)