The state-sanctioned China National Association for Ethical Studies has launched a five-year campaign to cultivate one million 'dutiful children' in a new morality drive that has been met with scepticism.
Wang Haibin, who heads a division of the association promoting morality education, said the campaign would target children from four to six. They would study filial piety - respect for parents and ancestors - and the teachings of ancient Chinese philosophers, including Confucius and Mencius.
The campaign comes as the ruling Communist Party has been trying in recent years to delve into so-called traditional teachings, which it once despised, in an effort to maintain control of the country.
Association secretary general Sun Chunchen said a sense of filial duty had much to do with the academic development of students. He cited a 2008 survey, conducted by the association, of 100 families and 100 students that found 96 students who performed well at school had a better sense of filial duty, and caring hearts.
Under the five-year plan, 30 to 60 pre-school pupils would be selected in each county, starting next year, to receive etiquette and morality lessons for 100 days. The pupils who pass would receive an additional three years of such studies before they would be deemed 'dutiful Chinese children'.
However, organisers did not specify the criteria for a dutiful child.