Beijing, Dec 03: The 'Confucius Literacy Prize', the first international prize named after a Chinese figure, was launched here today by the UNESCO to recognise special contributions in the field of education, particularly in rural areas and for women.
The prize is funded by the Chinese Central government with the municipal governments of Shandong province and Jining City providing 150,000 US dollars each year with the first phase for five years.
Starting from 2006, a panel of experts will select two prize-winners from government, non-governmental organizations and individuals worldwide, that have made special contribution in the field of education, especially education in rural areas, education for women and girls, and literacy development.
In September eight, 2006, the International Literacy Day, the Director General of the UNESCO will give the prize to two prize-winners with certificates, medals and bonus, as well as a chance to visit Jining City in East China's Shandong Province, the home town of Confucius.
The announcement of the new award was made at the end of the fifth meeting of the high-level group on education for all here in the Chinese capital.
Born in 551 B.C., Confucius, a statesman and educator, founded the Confucian school of thought, or Confucianism, which emphasises on people-first ideal and advocates a personality with the virtues of loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and seeking "harmony while maintaining disparity" culturally and in thought.
Bureau Report
