At the beginning of every Fall Semester, the School of Social Development and Policy Public Policy (SSDPP), Beijing Normal University organizes its First Year Students Welcome Ceremony. September 29, 2018 shall be remembered as the great moment when students, professors and staff of the school gathered to welcome the 2018-2020 cohort in style. The ceremony also invited Guest Speakers from reputable International Organizations working in China.

In his welcome remarks, Professor Qiang Zhang (Braven), the Director of the DSCC Program, welcomed new students to the program and introduced the China Model by articulating the successes of the model after 40 years of opening up. From graphs and other statistics that he presented, it was evident that the model has fostered economic growth, social and political development and service delivery, the growth of civil society and the creation of employment for the Chinese people and others beyond. For instance, the Belt and Road Initiative, Alibaba and many more Chinese business innovations have created thousands of jobs all over the world. He concluded that China Model is a possible take a way for developing countries.

Professor Qiang (Braven) Zhang, Delivering Keynote Address

Ms. Zhu Lei, the SSDPP Executive Coordinator presented the DSCC program overview, acknowledging its international significance as the first master’s program accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Global Development Studies and Research (IAC) in Asia. She highlighted the program requirements, structure and curriculum.

Guest Speakers, Students and Staff of SSDPP

Mr. Edward Lama, the President of International Students Union in collaboration with Ms. Lin Lin, the President of Chinse Students Union of the SSDPP introduced the new cohort to study and life on campus including how to access the library, participate in sports activities, visiting the clinic, checking semester grades, Chinese-International Students partnerships, etc.

Mr. Edward Lama, Talking about study and life on Campus

Ms. Lin Lin, Speaking on behalf of SSDPP Chinese Students

Guest Speakers representing four different organizations: World Animal Protection in China, China Development Brief, International Poverty Reduction Center in China (IPRCC) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Consultant talked about their operations in China and across the globe.

Mr. Zhonghua Zhao, Director of World Animal Protection in China, stressing a point

It was interesting to learn that the civils society organizations are actively involved in a number of development programs such as poverty alleviation, animal and environmental protection, and capacity strengthening among others.

Ms. Qian Zhao, Program Officer, IPRCC, Receiving a gift from Professor Braven

The Guest Speakers further promised internship opportunities for SSDPP International Students and encouraged the new cohort to attend courses in Non-profit Management and Leadership and CSR that will be offered in subsequent semesters.

Ms. Hang Zhao, Independent CSR Consultant, accepting her present

Participants posing for a Group Photo

Free Talk and Refreshments Session

Written By: Lwana Palwendo Kamanga

Edited By: Edward Lama

Photos By: Lwana & Edward