Witnessing educational progress in Guangdong
My former Scottish local government, Strathclyde Region, had at the time paired with Guangdong province. At that time, as China opened up to the outside world, Guangdong was a major driver of the country's economic growth. China was determined to build a modern, prosperous society but there was a long way to go. Trade, business and investment were all so important, but to be successful internationally, language skills were vital. Very few Westerners were fluent in everyday Chinese or familiar with the culture and peculiarities of conducting business. Creating a high level of proficiency in English was deemed a priority. Such a goal required well-trained teachers. This was the role of Guangdong Foreign Languages Normal School, which had been established specifically to train future English teachers. Students, selected on their English proficiency, came from towns and villages across Guangdong. They would progress through three years of normal school training, with the most successful going on for a further two years of college study within the campus. Upon graduating, the leading scholars skilled in oral communication and retaining a deeper understanding of the language and its complexities, would normally return to key provincial middle schools.
There were immediate differences to teaching back in Scotland. I was there when a unique state system still operated in China. I suppose "danwei" or "work unit" would be the appropriate term. Upon being appointed to the school, housing or accommodation would be provided. Indeed, some retired teachers and administrators continued to live on campus. Other social, medical and educational services were supplied. Outings and entertainment events were organized, which I gladly attended. To me there was a feeling of harmony. I lived onsite, in a very pleasant, well-provided apartment. This was so alien to the system I grew up with, where teachers were at school from 9 to 4 daily, often followed by long commutes home. People socialized away from their workplace, while in China during the early 1990's almost all aspects of life revolved around it.
