Nanjing prides herself on being the educational hub of China. Indeed, there are more students per head of population in Nanjing than in any other major city. And so when graduation time comes, the city better have a grand statement at the ready.
That statement was made on the evening of 9 May, when a unique ceremony for 263,000 freshly-graduated students was held in the Jiangsu Grand Theatre. And in attendance was the city’s top official, Han Liming.
As member of the Standing Committee of the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Nanjing Municipal Party Committee, Han delivered a warm speech to graduates.
Reflecting on all that has taken place during the past 4 years of the graduates’ study, the Secretary said, “In the unforgettable year of 2020, you bravely participated in the great anti-epidemic struggle in various ways; whether it was to suspend school or not, to be good community volunteers or to convey confidence and strength in fighting the epidemic”.
But it was also soon down to business. Nanjing has long suffered from a “brain drain” that sees many young people depart the city to start a new life elsewhere, many drawn by the dazzle of nearby Shanghai.
Secretary Han hence used her speech at the ceremony to lavish the freshly graduated with propaganda aimed at reversing that trend.
“We sincerely hope that all the students can start a new journey in life in Nanjing, to let youth bloom in the struggle and to work with us to write the Nanjing chapter in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the Chinese dream!”, said the Secretary.
But she also spoke of more concrete measures; policies to help young people to settle in Nanjing, to work in Nanjing and to start a business in Nanjing.
In particular, Han pointed out assistance for renting and purchasing property, subsidies for attending interviews, training for internships, convenient access and intimate service. “[The] measures will help you get twice the result with half the effort”, she said.
Graduates in attendance and those tuning in online were also presented with statistical encouragement. At present, 960 new businesses are registered in Nanjing every working day, 1,500 college students find employment and 70 college student start-ups are born, reported Jiangsu Xinhua.
Offering her congratulations, the Secretary concluded by saying, “Finally, on behalf of Nanjing, I would like to send my best wishes to you again. … May this summer be the starting point of your dream”.
