Empowering Chongqing: Celebrating the Selfless Spirit of Young Volunteers on Their Day

Chongqing - Volunteerism is gaining momentum as a trending movement, especially among the youth of Chongqing. On the 38th International Volunteer Day for Social and Economic Development, let’s delve into the stories of three young volunteers. Discover their motivations for volunteering and the driving force behind their selfless commitment.

Journey from World University Games to mountain classroom

During the opening ceremony of the 2023 FISU World University Games, eight dynamic youths participated as flag bearers, with Pu Shuying notably among them.

Reflecting on the Opening Ceremony participation, Pu recalls with excitement the unique chance it provided for engaging with college athletes globally, fostering mutual learning and growth. This memorable summer has left an indelible mark on her, fueling her passion for volunteer work and embedding the spirit of volunteering more profoundly into her life.

In July 2020, inspired by her participation in a city youth volunteer training program, Pu decided to become a rural teacher. A month later, she fulfilled this aspiration by joining Dahe Elementary School in Sanhe Town, Shizhu, as an English teacher. She embarked on a journey with 32 children in a mountainous setting. At Dahe Elementary School, Pu stood out as the only young teacher and the sole English instructor. Embracing the significant responsibility of teaching English to the entire school, she echoes the legacy of the teacher who inspired her a decade ago, continuing to spread the warmth of education.

Empowering rural China through volunteering and live-streaming

Ran Yanling, born to farmer parents and a Chongqing Metropolitan College of Science and Technology graduate, turned down a position at a design institute to embrace China’s Far West Program, making a conscious choice to return to rural roots.

In Zhisheng Town, Rongchang District, Ran Yanling established a volunteer service team - the New Era Civilization Practice Volunteer Service Team. Leading this team, she orchestrated over 80 volunteer activities, mobilizing more than 400 local residents to engage in volunteer services and benefiting the community over 2,600 times.

In 2019, Ran delved into the world of live streaming, diligently learning to promote products just like other streamers. Faced with challenges like adverse weather affecting her town’s agricultural output, she took the initiative to boost local produce sales and support farmers’ income. Teaming up with young volunteers, Ran formed the “In the Village” youth network promotion team. Her dedication over the year paid off, as she built a following of nearly 100,000 fans across various platforms under the “In the Village” brand. Impressively, Ran’s efforts led to the sale of agricultural products exceeding 3 million yuan in 2020.

Upon completing her service term in 2021, Ran decided to remain in the local community. She transitioned into a role as a live stream anchor with Chongqing’s “In the Village” e-commerce Limited, dedicating herself to selling goods for the villagers.

Decade of Heartfelt Volunteerism and Community Impact

At 30, Li Dan boasts a decade of dedicated volunteer experience.

In 2008, Li faced a family crisis when her father passed away unexpectedly, bringing financial burdens that nearly forced her to drop out as she was on the brink of entering university. “It was the support from teachers, classmates, relatives, friends, and the community that enabled me to continue my education,” Li recounted gratefully.

Throughout her college years, Li actively participated in volunteer activities. She initiated the formation of the “Guardian Angel” public welfare team at Chongqing Business Vocational College, which impressively grew from just three members to over 3,000 volunteers in four years. In 2019, Li Dan stepped up as a part of the Xuezhi Community in Huxi Street, Chongqing High-tech Industrial Development Zone.

When Li first started working in the community, she encountered an elderly couple in despair because their only daughter was battling throat cancer and had suicidal thoughts. Immediately responding to their plea for help, Li visited their home that very night, accompanied by a psychological counseling expert. Over time, through many heartfelt conversations, she was able to alleviate the daughter’s concerns and fears, eventually persuading her to undergo treatment.

Li shared, “To this day, I make regular visits to them, especially during festivals. I spend time talking about everyday life, and the old couple considers me like their own daughter.” Now, they have become devoted volunteers in the community, actively participating in various volunteer activities.

(Cheng Jialu, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)