The General Offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and of the State Council have issued a joint document proposing that students be provided with more constructive and enriching after-school activities that enhance their classroom studies.

The document is entitled "Opinions on Further Strengthening and Improving Youth Activities."

Government departments in charge of educational affairs should work together with organizations like the Chinese Communist Youth League (CCYL) committees, women's federations, and science and technology associations, to study the situation and make arrangements for students' off hours, it says.

It urges elementary and middle schools to carry out a new round of reforms with the help of local authorities. Students should be given more opportunities to practice what they learn in the classroom including science, culture and history, arts, and sports, it says.

Leisure-time activities should be part of the new criteria for assessing the success of a school and a student, says the document.

Meanwhile, it urges local authorities and schools to ensure the safety of students during their after-school activities.

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2006)