Paying tribute to teachers, premier sits in on classes

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-09-07 08:14

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) meets with teacher representatives before a symposium at Beijing No. 35 Middle School in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2009. Ahead of China's 25th Teacher's Day, which falls on Sept. 10, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called on teachers across the country to enhance their teaching standards and do a good job. [Xinhua]

BEIJING: When the class began, Math teacher Xu Junjun announced that Premier Wen Jiabao was with them, the students turned round simultaneously and craned their necks and found Grandpa Wen, who greeted the marveling faces with a gentle smile.

During the morning class that started 8:10, Wen was seen taking notes carefully. After the lesson, he sat with several students sharing his notes with them.

He spent a total of four hours and five minutes till the music class ended with Class 5 of the 8th graders at Beijing No. 35 Middle School on Friday.

"It's a memorable experience and I felt as if I had traveled back to my childhood," he said, "I love you all."

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (C) talks with students at Beijing No. 35 Middle School in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2009. Ahead of China's 25th Teacher's Day, which falls on Sept. 10, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has called on teachers across the country to enhance their teaching standards and do a good job. [Xinhua]

Wen has been visiting teachers and students on every Teacher's Day since 2003 when he took up the post. The 25th Teacher's Day will fall on Thursday.

"Sitting in on the class all the morning is my way of paying tribute to you teachers," he explained his visit later in a meeting with the faculty in the afternoon.

The meeting was attended by representatives of teachers from Beijing. The premier commented on the morning lessons one by one and offer his suggestions to the teachers.

Wen said that education is a lofty and honorable cause because the fate of the nation depends on it.

"The nation's rise and fall rely on education, as only first-rate education can generate first-rate talents who in turn can build a first-rate nation," Wen said.

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