Students and Graduates

Posted on 22 August 2009.

In July 2009, 6.1 million people graduated from university in China. "Because of the financial crisis the outlook is not that good," said graduate Zhang Hai, who was looking for work in Beijing. "There are not that many jobs, but lots of students looking for work so obviously there's a lot of competition" (BBC).

Over 10 percent of last year's graduates are themselves still looking for work. So current graduates are having to lower their expectations and take jobs that previously went to those with just a high school education.

Across China, factories, companies and government departments are all being urged to provide these graduates with jobs. In the city of Weifang, Shandong Province, officials in one government department were told they each have to find jobs for three graduates. The Beijing city government has started a scheme to employ 1,600 graduates on three-year contracts as assistants to village officials. The national government has also agreed to repay school fees or bank loans for college graduates willing to work for at least three years in remote and poverty-stricken areas of the country's central and western regions.

Despite such employment challenges, the pressure on young people to get into university is still high. More than ten million people took this year's Chinese university entrance examinations in June. It has been described as the biggest exam process in the world! "This is the most important moment for any student," said one mother. "They have studied for more than 10 years just for these few days of exams" (BBC). Another set of parents waited outside the exam centre all day throughout the exams. "We've only got one son, we feel our presence here can encourage him to get high marks in the exam. He will have more confidence," the father commented (BBC).

This month those who did well in the exams are starting their university courses. Living away from home, often for the first time, they face new challenges, but are also more open to new ideas. It is at university that many young Chinese are becoming Christians, as they begin to think more about the meaning of life.

Pray for graduates of recent years who are still searching for jobs. Pray that they might be realistic in their expectations and not give in to despair. Pray that for many their journey might lead them to Christian believers who share the Gospel with them.

Pray that schemes to enable more graduates to find work might be successful and provide a career path for many who are looking for meaningful employment.

Pray for this year's new students as they begin their university courses. Pray that they might soon make friends and settle into their new life. Pray for protection from the temptation to walk along wrong paths. May many have the opportunity to hear the Gospel and learn of all that the Lord Jesus has done for them.