Interpreting Guangdong's Exploration Behind the National Lifelong Learning System

This article is reprinted from: Southern Metropolis Daily

N Video reporters from Southern Metropolis interviewed several well-known education experts:

Interpreting Guangdong’s Exploration Behind the National Lifelong Learning System

N Video reporters from Southern Metropolis spoke with multiple education specialists to analyze the platform’s innovations and leadership from different perspectives. Zhou Hongyu, Vice President of the Chinese Society of Education and Director of the National Education Governance Research Institute at Central China Normal University, pointed out in an interview that on the new journey of high-quality development, safeguarding the development rights of every ordinary person is the most “hardcore” foundational investment. Hu Xiaoming, Honorary President of the Shanghai Writing Society for Lifelong Learning, noted the fresh tone of the Guangdong Lifelong Learning System press conference, saying, “Education should reach every household, and the press conference itself must be understandable and appealing to the public. Spring has just arrived, and it feels like early spring in the southern country.”

“A Strategic Action Investing in People”

“On the new journey of high-quality development, safeguarding the development rights of every ordinary person is the most ‘hardcore’ foundational investment,” Zhou Hongyu, Vice President of the Chinese Society of Education and Director of the National Education Governance Research Institute at Central China Normal University, emphasized on February 25. He stated that building a learning society is an important part of the national strategy. The “Outline of the Education Powerhouse Construction Plan (2024–2035)” released in January 2024 explicitly calls for establishing an accessible lifelong education system. “Guangdong’s proactive actions are a positive response to this strategy.”

Zhou Hongyu paid particular attention to the innovative mechanism of “credit transfer and mutual recognition of achievements.” This mechanism, through a “credit bank,” effectively records and accumulates various learning outcomes of individuals, with the possibility of converting them into academic credits according to established rules, thus breaking down barriers between different types of learning. He believes that a major breakthrough of this platform lies in reconfiguring the value chain of learning through technological empowerment and system design.

“Guangdong has connected the entire province’s ‘credit bank’.” Zhou Hongyu believes this breaks down the barriers between formal and informal education, academic and non-academic qualifications, allowing non-degree learning achievements to be officially recognized, truly realizing the value of learning. He envisions that the platform’s launch is just the first step; for real impact, subsequent work must be thorough and practical. He suggests that relevant departments should take responsibility according to their characteristics, especially the open university system, which should leverage its systemic advantages of vertical integration and horizontal coordination to ensure that learning resources reach every individual in need.

“Covering Main Populations with Bold Reform”

One of the key projects of Guangdong’s lifelong learning system is the “Yuexue Yueyou” brand initiative. Professor Song Jian from the Population and Development Research Center at Renmin University of China analyzed for Southern Metropolis Daily, “We usually categorize the population into three groups: first, youth primarily engaged in academic education; second, the elderly aged 60 or 65 and above with ample free time after retirement; third, working-age individuals between the two. The ‘Yuexue Yueyou’ brand project, starting from the supply side, covers the main populations, which is quite a bold reform.”

Song Jian noted that, for example, in elderly education, the current system mainly revolves around “senior universities,” which have already achieved offline outreach.

“The establishment of the Guangdong Lifelong Learning Platform, including its elderly education component, can complement offline activities. Through online and offline integration, it can further attract the attention of the elderly,” he told Southern Metropolis Daily.

The platform’s “Elderly Class” will include four main “hard dishes”: “Life Encyclopedia,” “Safety Knowledge,” “Expert Courses,” and “Fashion Trends.” For example, the “Smart Finance” series will teach seniors how to use mobile payments, hail ride-hailing services, and check pensions step by step; high-quality courses from academicians, such as Academician Zhong Nanshan’s “Respiratory Health Lecture,” and Academician Zhang Boli’s “Traditional Chinese Medicine for Elderly Health,” as well as Cantonese cuisine masters teaching how to make shrimp dumplings and steamed buns.

“Elderly People Can Access Learning Materials More Conveniently”

Yuan Xin, Vice President of the Chinese Population Association and Professor at Nankai University School of Economics, believes that the “Elderly Class” reflects that the core of “aging” education will be practicality and personalization. “It presents small everyday knowledge, tips, and solutions to practical problems like family communication and relationship management through diverse videos and graphics, making it easier for seniors to access learning materials, which is commendable.”

Yuan Xin stated that, just as the “Elderly Class” in the lifelong learning platform can complement offline senior universities, “Rider Academy” and “Rural Revitalization Academy” can also connect online and offline, providing knowledge services beyond existing delivery platforms like food delivery and courier services.

“Guangdong has always been a leader in China’s reform and opening-up. The current goal of building a nationwide lifelong learning platform aligns with the vision of creating a learning society where everyone can learn anytime, anywhere, and the development of a smart society. It is a service aimed at the entire lifecycle,” Yuan Xin told Southern Metropolis Daily.

He pointed out that Guangdong’s early proposal of this plan in the first year of the 14th Five-Year Plan has set an example for other provinces. He hopes that this “good start” can continue to expand into all segments of society and every aspect of life, making the path broader and better.

“The Press Conference Had a Refreshing Tone, Like Early Spring in the South”

Hu Xiaoming, a lifelong professor at East China Normal University and Honorary President of the Shanghai Writing Society for Lifelong Learning, believes that Guangdong’s new lifelong learning system not only leads in concept nationwide but also demonstrates a valuable exploration of “returning education to its human-centered roots.” “The government-led effort, mobilizing society, makes education a right for all, enhancing universal education capacity and meeting the public’s educational needs.”

The Guangdong Lifelong Learning Platform is a strategic infrastructure for building a learning society, featuring ten simulated application scenarios. Hu Xiaoming expressed approval, saying, “These designs are thoughtful—they try to bring education into the details of people’s lives, very down-to-earth. Making education permeate every scene and detail of daily life, turning it into a real demand.”

Notably, Hu Xiaoming observed that the tone of the Guangdong Lifelong Learning System press conference was particularly refreshing: “Not sure what to learn? We even set up a ‘Course Supermarket,’ displaying the best courses from across the province and even the country.” “We serve the needs of key groups and provide what they need,” he added. “This time, we launched courses related to ‘Intergenerational Education’ and popular science classes on artificial intelligence. After learning these, you’ll better understand your grandchildren’s interests.” He noted that the event aimed to be accessible and relatable, which is a very important signal. Hu Xiaoming said this shift feels very fresh, especially with spring just arriving, like the early spring in the southern country.