Art of calligraphy promoted

The Sichuan provincial department of education says it has issued a document to most cities in the province, asking them to include calligraphy in the school curricula in primary and high schools. The document, called Suggestion on Promoting Calligraphy in Primary, Middle and High Schools, states that schools start the teaching of traditional calligraphy beginning this year. The move is aimed at preserving and promoting the traditional art form, which was a staple for young scholars in ancient times but is unfamiliar to many school children.