September 26, 2019
More than 30 Principals from Chinese schools are in the Island today as part of an educational exchange programme.
The delegation of 38 school leaders are due to meet local head teachers and representatives from Children, Young People, Education and Skills. They will take part in a workshop focusing on education systems in Jersey and China and experiences in international exchange, before visiting Hautlieu, Haute Vallée and D’Auvergne schools.
Their visit is part of a European tour organised by the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE), China’s nationwide not-for-profit organisation that arranges international exchanges to build trust between nations by sharing culture and education. Accompanying the delegates throughout their visit will be the Minister-Counsellor for Education, XIA Jianhui, and First Secretary Education, LI Guoqiang, from the Chinese Embassy in London.
The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, visited Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing in November 2018 when he met representatives from CEAIE and invited the organisation to visit the Island.
The Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, said: “We are delighted to welcome this delegation of Principals from China to the Island. This is a substantial inward visit, representing an opportunity to build the foundations of a stronger and more beneficial relationship between Jersey and China. We also look forward to welcoming XIA Jianhui and LI Guoqiang and the opportunity this presents for us to build stronger relationships with the Chinese Embassy.”
The Minister for Education, Senator Tracey Vallois, said: “This educational exchange strengthens the links that some of our schools have been building with China, promoting Jersey’s culture and identity and learning from other nations.”
The Chief Minister plans to return to Hong Kong and mainland China in November 2019.