Power of volunteers

Some of the volunteers at the summer camp program teach lessons as well.

Choi Se-yun, a 17-year-old from South Korea who is currently a student at the Shanghai United International School, is teaching Korean to children at the camp located in Xuhui district's Tianping subdistrict.

"It's an opportunity to learn about local culture and practice professional skills," says Choi, who aims to become a teacher in the future.

Most staff members involved in running the summer camp program are volunteers who range from high school and college students to adults with teaching experience.

"Student volunteers are full of passion and can easily communicate with children," explains Hu Ying, another volunteer who works at the summer camp in Tianping subdistrict of Xuhui.

The program also offers high schoolers a chance to participate in community service, helping them reach their quota quicker - Shanghai's high school students are required to do at least 60 hours of voluntary service over the course of three years.

This year, one in 16 students have participated in this initiative.

Since 2009 when the city began preparing for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, volunteers have been playing a significant role at major international events as well as in the daily management of the metropolis.

Statistics show there are a total of 4.13 million registered volunteers and 231 volunteer service organizations in Shanghai.

"Volunteer work can enrich people's lives and allow them to contribute to the country and society," says teacher Lu from Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Another reason why college students make good volunteers is that they are fast learners and motivated, Lu adds.

"They can be role models and help influence children and younger volunteers, which will in turn benefit the sustainable development of the whole program," says Lu.

"I would never be as happy as I am now if I didn't become a volunteer and meet these cute kids," says Zhao Weiqi, a 21-year-old student from Shanghai Normal University who has been a volunteer at the summer camp in Tianping subdistrict for the past three years.

"Many children recognize me at the start of the program every year. They will call my name, run to me and hug me," she adds.

"The experience is definitely a highlight of my university life."

Another volunteer, Wen Rou, who majors in preschool education at a vocational high school, says that volunteering work has equipped her with the necessary communication skills and abilities to deal with challenges.

"Volunteer work has helped me to forge a strong work ethic and adapt better to society," says Wen.

"This will be beneficial when I enter the workforce in the future."

Contact the writer at caochen@chinadaily.com.cn