China's army says 100,000 members take practical education courses

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 100,000 soldiers in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) have received non-degree education, the army has said.

The campaign was launched by the PLA Headquarters of the General Staff in 2003 to give soldiers practical training, a PLA official said on Wednesday.

Soldiers in the programs take three- to six-month courses in computers, English, psychology and management. Instead of a diploma, the soldiers receive national skills certificates.

The campaign emphasizes special and practical skills and trainees do not necessarily have much prior education, according the headquarters.