Interpreting Guangdong's Exploration Behind the National Lifelong Learning System

This article is reprinted from: Southern Metropolis Daily

N Video reporters interview several well-known education experts:

Interpreting Guangdong’s Exploration Behind the National Lifelong Learning System

N Video reporters dialogue 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 with N Video 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,” said Zhou Hongyu on February 25. He emphasized that building a learning society is an important part of the national strategy. The “Outline of the Education Power Construction Plan (2024–2035)” released in January 2024 explicitly proposes establishing an accessible lifelong education system. “Guangdong’s proactive actions are a positive response to this strategy.”

Zhou Hongyu is particularly focused on the innovative mechanism of “credit transfer and mutual recognition.” This mechanism, through a “credit bank,” effectively records and accumulates various learning achievements of individuals, with the opportunity to convert them into academic credits according to established rules, 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 credentials, 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 vertical and horizontal integration 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 N Daily that “we usually categorize the population into three groups: first, youth primarily engaged in academic education; second, the elderly over 60 or 65 with ample free time after retirement; and third, working individuals in between. The ‘Yuexue Yueyou’ project, starting from the supply side, effectively covers the main populations and demonstrates bold reform.”

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

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

The platform’s “Elderly Class” will include four main categories: “Life Knowledge,” “Safety Tips,” “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; prestigious courses from academicians will feature Zhong Nanshan’s “Respiratory Health Lecture,” Zhang Boli’s “Traditional Chinese Medicine for Elderly Health,” and Guangdong 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 “senior” education will be practicality and personalization. “It presents everyday knowledge, tips, and solutions to intergenerational communication and family relationship issues through diverse videos and graphics, making it easier for seniors to access learning materials, which is commendable.”

Yuan Xin noted that, just as the “Elderly Class” on the lifelong learning platform can complement offline elderly universities, initiatives like “Rider Academy” and “Rural Revitalization Academy” can also connect online and offline, providing knowledge services beyond existing delivery and courier platforms for flexible employment groups.

“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 society where everyone can learn anytime, anywhere, and the move toward a smarter society. It is a service aimed at the entire lifecycle,” Yuan Xin told N Daily.

He added 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 social groups and everyday life, widening the path and making progress.

“Fresh and Natural Tone at the Press Conference, Like Early Spring in the South”

Hu Xiaoming, 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.” “Led by the government and supported by society, it 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 praised this approach, saying, “These designs are thoughtful, aiming to integrate education into people’s daily lives in a very down-to-earth way. Making education permeate every detail and scene of daily life turns it into a real need for the people.”

Notably, Hu Xiaoming observed that the tone of the Guangdong Lifelong Learning System press conference was refreshingly straightforward: “Not sure what to learn? We set up a ‘Course Supermarket’ with the best courses from across the province and even the country.” “We serve the needs of key groups and provide what they require,” he said. “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 added, “The conference itself aimed to be accessible and relatable, which is a very important signal.” Hu Xiaoming described this shift as refreshing, especially with spring just arriving, like the early signs of spring in the southern country.