Overseas volunteers gain experience, make friends

Many students from overseas are undertaking volunteer work during the ongoing 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Takudzwa Duncan Maluwa's daily routine begins at 7 am, when he boards a bus near his school, Beijing International Studies University, and travels to the Olympic Village in Yanqing district, northwestern Beijing.

The young Zimbabwean is responsible for providing services for officials and staff members of the International Olympic Committee at the visitors' information center in the village.

The 22-year-old, who always dreamed of studying in China, said, "Being a volunteer at the Winter Games, which have gained attention around the world, is the most beautiful thing I can give back."

Before the Games began, he spent four months training for his role, including gaining basic knowledge about the Olympics, winter sports, first aid and preventive measures against COVID-19.

Despite coming into contact with people from countries that have high incidences of the disease, Maluwa said he is never concerned about becoming infected.

"We have been taught various preventive measures. More importantly, my classmates and I chose to stay in China at the onset of the epidemic. The school protected us well. I feel safe and comfortable staying here," he said.

The diplomatic studies scholar said he dreams of working for the United Nations when he graduates.

"It plays an essential role in keeping the world peaceful and secure. I am looking forward to the interactions between multiple cultures and introducing my country's culture to the world," he said.

"I am really touched by the great efforts that our teachers and students have made to help ensure a smooth Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The Chinese around me love their country, and they work hard to play their parts."

Maluwa is one of four international students from BISU providing services at the Olympic Village.

The others－from Myanmar, South Korea and Indonesia－work in the visitors' information center, the gym and the service center for people staying in the village, respectively.

Kyae Sinn Linn Lett, from Myanmar, stayed in China after gaining a master's in tourism studies.

She said she wanted to keep improving her Chinese language skills, so volunteer work during the Olympics provided a precious opportunity to continue her studies.

Eom Areum, from South Korea, said that though the Winter Games face challenges during COVID-19, she has been touched by the professionalism and enthusiasm of all the volunteers and visitors.

"They solve problems actively and adeptly," she said.

Agamammet Ashyrov, a volunteer from Turkmenistan, came to Beijing in 2019 to study at the College of Petroleum Engineering at the China University of Petroleum.

He said he hopes to bring advanced techniques back to his home country, which is rich in natural resources.

Volunteering at the Games gives him the opportunity to practice Chinese and make new friends, he said.

"I am the only one among my many overseas student friends who have been able to participate in the volunteer services," he said.

"It's really cool. I appreciate it."