China Youth Daily:

We have noticed that in recent years, educational conditions in Xinjiang have been continuously improving, with many beautiful school buildings constructed. What measures has the government taken to promote educational development in recent years, and what results have been achieved? What are your plans going forward? Thank you.

Erkin Tuniyaz:

Thanks for your questions. I'd like to invite Mr. Wang Jianxin to answer them.

Wang Jianxin:

Thank you for your questions. As this journalist just mentioned, when traveling through Xinjiang's cities and countryside, many people have a profound and distinct impression: the finest buildings in Xinjiang are schools, and the most beautiful scenery is found on campuses. Education is vital to both our nation's future and people's welfare. It serves as an important source of fulfillment and happiness for people of all ethnic groups. The Party committee and government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are acutely aware of the great responsibility they shoulder, and persist in treating education as fundamental, essential, and long-term work that concerns lasting peace and stability. This has driven breakthrough progress in Xinjiang's education sector. Let me address this question with three points.

First, basic education has become fairer and higher in quality. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the central government has invested a total of 47.9 billion yuan in fiscal education funds to improve conditions of elementary and secondary schools in Xinjiang. Now, Xinjiang has one kindergarten for every 106 children and one primary school for every 817 primary school students. In 2024, the completion rate of nine-year compulsory education was over 99%, and the gross enrollment rate for senior high school education was 97.74%. Xinjiang's public education services have improved significantly, effectively meeting the new expectations of people of all ethnic groups for fair and high-quality education. This fully demonstrates the CPC Central Committee's special care and concern for ethnic minority areas.

Second, higher education has greatly supported and contributed to development. Talent is key to the high-quality development of Xinjiang. To enhance talent cultivation and better adapt to industrial development, we have optimized the layout, improved quality and expanded the capacity of higher education institutions across the region. The number of higher education institutions in Xinjiang increased from 39 in 2012 to 63 in 2024, with three more added this year to reach 66. By 2024, all five prefectures and autonomous prefectures in southern Xinjiang had universities offering undergraduate programs, marking a historic breakthrough. We have established seven regional industry-education alliances, eight industry-education integration communities, and built stable partnerships with over 6,500 enterprises. Higher education's support and contribution to overall development continue to grow.

Third, vocational education has become more specialized and employment-oriented. We are accelerating the development of a modern vocational education system to continuously meet the demand for technical and skilled professionals required by high-quality development. In 2024, the number of students in vocational schools reached 575,000, up 60.69% compared to 2012. We have deepened the integration of industry and education and strengthened school-enterprise partnerships. Vocational colleges have aligned 75.4% of their programs with the region's key and advantageous modern industries. Many high-caliber technicians and skilled personnel have seamlessly transitioned from academia to industry, fulfilling their potential in various fields.

The success of educational development largely depends on having high-quality, professional teaching staff. In recent years, we have recruited high-level talent to strengthen our teaching staff and intensified training for existing teachers, comprehensively improving their capabilities. Nearly 20,000 outstanding teachers from across the country have come to Xinjiang, including teachers of an educational support program, retired teachers and volunteers participating in the "Go West" program. More and more teachers in Xinjiang hold doctoral and master's degrees. They bring fresh perspectives and vitality, empowering children of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang to achieve their life dreams. We believe that Xinjiang's education has a promising future, and Xinjiang's development also has a promising future. Thank you.