The public welfare program “First Lesson of the Semester” for 2025, jointly organized by the Central Propaganda Department, China Central Radio and Television, and the Ministry of Education, will air on September 1st on CCTV’s comprehensive channel. The program, themed “Remembrance and Struggle,” commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
According to reports, the program invites heroes, company instructors, memorial hall directors, and descendants of those who experienced the war to share stories from the war period. By reviewing the arduous 14-year journey of bloody struggle, it aims to promote the great spirit of the War of Resistance, inspiring young people to remember history, honor the martyrs, cherish peace, and create the future from a new historical starting point.
Central Propaganda Department
The Central Propaganda Department is a key institution of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) responsible for shaping public opinion and guiding ideological work. It was established in the early years of the CCP to promote its policies and maintain ideological control. Its primary function is to manage media, culture, and education to align with the Party’s directives.
China Central Radio and Television
China Central Radio and Television (CCTV) is the predominant state media broadcaster in China, founded in 1958. It is a major tool for public communication and government propaganda, operating numerous television and radio channels. Its headquarters, the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing, is an iconic modern architectural landmark designed by Rem Koolhaas and completed in 2012.
Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education is a government department responsible for national policies and programs for education. Its history is tied to the development of a country’s public education system, often established to standardize curriculum, administer schools, and promote literacy. The specific founding date and historical role vary by nation, but its core mission is to oversee and improve the education sector.
CCTV
CCTV, or China Central Television, is the state broadcaster of China and one of the largest media organizations in the world. It was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in its iconic, modern headquarters in Beijing, which was completed for the 2008 Olympics. As the primary mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, its programming includes news, entertainment, and educational content.
Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression
The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945) was a major conflict during World War II where China resisted the invasion of Imperial Japan. It began with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937 and resulted in immense Chinese casualties and widespread devastation before ending with Japan’s surrender in 1945. This war is a foundational event in modern Chinese history, symbolizing national resilience and unity against foreign aggression.
World Anti-Fascist War
The World Anti-Fascist War refers to the global conflict of World War II (1939-1945), in which the Allied powers united to defeat the expansionist Axis regimes. It is a monumental historical event that fundamentally reshaped the world order and is remembered for its immense human cost and the triumph of collective international cooperation over totalitarianism.
