Foreign volunteers shine in second home in China

A group of international student volunteers will attend the upcoming Wuhan Marathon for the first time during this weekend, and even hope to serve at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

More than 100 international students from over 30 countries form the international volunteer team of Central China Normal University (CCNU) in Wuhan, Central China’s Hubei province. Founded in 2012, the volunteer team also provides help around the city on different occasions.

One of these volunteers is Patrick from Congo, who has stayed in China for six years and speaks fluent Chinese and even a little local dialect. Patt said even when he was living in his country, he knew about Lei Feng - a Chinese soldier born in 1940, legendary for his dedication and selflessness – and has since been deeply inspired by the man’s spirit.

"If I return to Congo one day, I will bring the spirit of Lei Feng back to the country so it will touch more people." Patt has always regarded Wuhan as his second hometown, cherishing everything he has experienced there.

During Spring Festival, Patt and the volunteer team also help travelers at the Wuhan Railway Station through free services that include counseling, facilitating passenger flow and baggage assistance.

In recognition of outstanding performance in volunteer services for Wuhan in 2017, the CCNU International Students' Volunteer Team was selected as the “Best Volunteer Service Organization” in Wuhan.