In January 2018, teachers and students from the department of international law participated in a five-day social practice with the theme of “Understanding the Conditions of the Nation and Local People, Carrying out Publicity and Education Concerning Laws” in Weinan, Shaanxi province. The purpose of the activity was to further study President Xi Jinping’s socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics in the new era, implement the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress, give full play to the professional advantages of the department of international law, actively explore effective ways for teachers and students in the department of international law to contribute to local economic and social development, further establish the “four consciousnesses” (maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, uphold the core leadership, and keep in alignment) and “four confidences” (confidence in the path, theories, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics), cultivate students’ sense of mission and responsibility, and contribute our share to the great leap-forward development of Weinan, Shaanxi province in the new era. The Weinan municipal government attached great importance to the social practice. The municipal government, the Municipal Bureau of Justice, the Municipal Party Committee and other relevant departments provided strong support and guidance, and accompanied members of the practice group throughout this activity.

The following two activities were carried out by the social practice group:

First, legal education and legal aid activities: The practice group launched two activities in Changantun Village in Dali County and Nanwuzhong Community in Heyang County. To make villagers better understand laws regarding the transfer and inheritance of rural housing, teachers and students explained relevant laws in terms that were easily-understood. “Questions and Answers on Rural Law” brochures compiled by the Legal Aid Center of China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) were handed out, and the participants also provided legal aid on the spot and solved legal problems raised by villagers. Legal aid activities were reported by local media and received positive responses.

Second, exploration of national and local conditions: In order to  implement the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress and the “four consciousnesses” and “four confidences” among young teachers and students and cultivate their sense of mission and responsibility, the social practice group visited and studied the City Planning Museum of Weinan, the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship of Weinan, the State Bureau for Letters and Calls in Linwei District, Weinan municipal government, the State Bureau for Letters and Calls in Weinan, the Nanwuzhong community in Heyang county, and Xushi village in Chishui town in Huazhou district. Through visits, symposiums and field trips, the participants collected relevant information about receiving letters of complaint and visits, the operation mechanism of local municipal government, issues concerning agriculture, countryside and farmers and accurate poverty alleviation. While researching and studying national and local people’s experiences, they felt strongly the profound and fundamental achievements the country has made under the leadership of the Party Central Committee since the 18th CPC National Congress.

The social practice in the winter holidays concluded successfully. Members of the practice group said the social practice made them truly feel the sense of mission and responsibility on their shoulders. The valuable information and experience obtained in the social practice will be applied to work and study. They will combine theory with practice and integrate the construction of the motherland and the needs of the people with their individual dreams, contributing their wisdom and strength to the development of a country, government and society under the rule of law.

                                               The Department of International Laws of CFAU