Volunteering in Rural China Opens Eyes to Conservation

Tingran Zhang  •  Posted on May 10, 2019  •  2 minutes  • 340 words

During spring break, 9 students from Overseas Chinese Academy of Chiway Suzhou (OCAC-Suzhou) embarked on a volunteering trip to Changguansi Primary School located deep in the mountains of Guizhou Province. Surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and wilderness, this remote rural region provided an eye-opening experience for our students to make a difference while learning about sustainability.

The village where the school is situated can only be reached by a grueling 7-hour van ride along winding mountain roads from the county seat. For the local children, their daily commute to school involves walking for hours on steep and treacherous mountain paths.

Upon arriving at the rural school, our students were warmly welcomed by the local students and teachers. The basic facilities including dorms, classrooms and cafeteria were built through donations, using resources prudently.

The OCAC students helped distribute hundreds of books donated by their schoolmates to start a small library for the Changguansi students. They also handed out simple school supplies and sports equipment that was gratefully received. The children cherished these basic materials that many take for granted.

During their visit, our students sat in on classes, took exams with the local students, and tasted the spicy homemade lunches. For many, it was their first time eating simple vegetable dishes without any meat.

“Even though the roads were difficult, it was absolutely worth the trip. Everything we saw and experienced will be unforgettable memories,” noted an OCAC parent.

Some of the most memorable moments came from visiting the village and witnessing life with limited modern conveniences, yet sustaining itself close to the land. The warmth and resilience of the people left a deep impression.

While tiring, the trip provided an invaluable cultural exchange. Our students’ horizons were broadened, gaining appreciation for the pristine environment, sustainable lifestyles, and importance of conservation. The Changguansi students enjoyed interacting with foreigners and gaining new educational materials.

We all smile at the simple pleasures of reading, playing sports, and making new friends. This experience taught invaluable life lessons, bringing together children from very different backgrounds.