Constitution Day marked by education, awareness

China on Thursday observed its inaugural national Constitution Day, marked by educational efforts to help citizens understand the fundamental law of the land.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for greater awareness of the Constitution and better understanding of the law's role when speaking ahead of Constitution Day on Wednesday.

Xi said he wants Constitution Day to teach people about the highest law so that the Constitution can be fully implemented.

Law experts and educators said the day is significant in increasing people's awareness of the Constitution and their own rights.

A DAY FOR THE YOUNG

School students across the country read the Constitution on Thursday morning.

Headmasters were required to organize a Constitution study session for teachers or deliver lectures to students on the day, according to a circular issued by the Ministry of Education.

Fan Luyan, headmaster of the Beijing Jingshan School, told Xinhua after a reading ceremony that the day was very important as it helps teachers and students realize that the Constitution and nation's laws are connected with their lives.

In the past, students believed the Constitution and laws were adult matters and had nothing to do with them, according to Fan.

Fan said educating children and teenagers on the Constitution will help them grow into law-abiding citizens.

Fan's opinion was echoed by Xie Xiaojun, a vice headmaster of the No.165 high school in Beijing, who said the educational activities on Thursday not only increased the students' understanding of the Constitution, but also deepened his own knowledge about the fundamental law.

Jingshan School also invited law experts to give lectures to students on the Constitution on Thursday.

Fang Jingyuan, an 11-grade student in the school, said the activities helped her learn about her rights and responsibilities as a citizen.

Han Dayuan, dean of the law school of Renmin University of China, said since the role of the Constitution covers a person's entire life, education on the fundamental law from an early age is necessary and important.