To teach is to be a model in order that the pupil can learn by example.
To educate is to instill virtues in order that the pupil aim to do good.
Most of the world believes that Chinese people value education the most. The Imperial Exam system of ancient China gave way to European civil servant qualification system. Reading, memorizing, tutoring, testing are shared experiences, and nightmares, for most Chinese students. And while emphasis on doing well in college entrance exams or pressures to achieve the highest academic achievement have been criticized in recent years, education continues to be the only way that someone born into less fortunate social standing can climb the social ladder. In recent decades Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore (considered Four Asian Tigers) have been the most economically developed countries; while Asia continues to cultivate an extremely qualifying human resources pool to help further the rest of the world's economy.
That was the education path the Chinese took in the 20th Century. What is the path facing them in the 21st Century? How will the Chinese people face their future? Will the Chinese follow the trend of the world or will they wait in the wings?
Is being educated to carry out the destiny of our ancestors or to carve out a journey for the new generation?
Is education an investment in our future or a beholden to the present?
Is education an even exchange of money and resources or must one sacrifice one's entire life to obtain the highest academic standing?
Should education be a pursuit of excellence or a pursuit of practicality?
Should a child have a winning attitude from the start or a persevering attitude for the long haul?
Should a child have insatiable curiosity or intense concentration?
Should a child be quick-witted or quietly observant?
Is it better to be utilitarian or altruistic?
Should one survey the vast world with an expansive mind or focus on the immediate surrounding with laser precision?
Should achievements be met with thunderous applause and raucous cheers or quiet praise and modest compliments?
Before the unpredictable 2012 arrive, CNEX wants to assemble the best and brightest works about education. Since education is not only the answer to but also the root of all questions.
We invite documentary filmmakers from all over the world, with your keen eyes and open hearts, submit your iconic stories and vision about education: whether in the valley or the city, on kindergarten playgrounds or in university classrooms, with farmers or factory workers, in a church pew or at the dinner table – we want to show the rest of the world the great talents the Chinese diaspora has to offer in 2012.
