A group of young volunteers attracted the eyes of passengers at the Beijing Capital International Airport on August 4. The 12 young volunteers from places such as Beijing, Sichuan and Yunnan were going to Ethiopia in Africa to begin a six-month service work in methane exploitation, Chinese-language teaching, physical education, health care and information technology.

Smooth recruitment

Led by China Communist Youth League (CCYL) and Chinese Young Volunteers Association (CYVA), the CCYL Beijing committee and CYVA Beijing branch began recruiting volunteers for service in Ethiopia in early April.

The recruited volunteers are involved in fields like methane exploitation, Chinese teaching, physical education, healthcare and information technology. The Ethiopian side asked China for these since it believes these are China's traditional and strong areas.

The recruitment work received positive response from various sectors of the society. Advertisements in newspapers and on the Internet drew passionate participation of 51 college students, on-the-job personnel and returned Chinese.

Mu Xinwei, a girl from Urumqi who saw the ad on the Internet, immediately submitted her application and got strong support from her superiors. She said: "I thought I wanted to help Ethiopians build computer networks, but was surprised to find out that leaders in my company were very supportive. They gave the green light all the way."

Concentrated training

Once the listing work was finished it took two months' written examinations, interviews, physical examinations and political examinations to fix on 12 outstanding volunteers. The training was concentrating on expansion of ability, cultivation of team spirit, China-Ethiopia relations, international volunteer service lectures, Ethiopian customs, international etiquette, crash course on Amharic, medical rescue knowledge and the ability to cope with emergencies etc., which has well prepared the volunteers for their upcoming service in Ethiopia.

The volunteer generally believe the training was very effective. Dai Jingang, born in 1982, said: "The training was a very short one, but I think it is very necessary. My major is acupuncture and physical therapy. I didn't think it is necessary to bring one-time needles. It was after the training that I realized Chinese medicine should also get in line with international practice and conform to international medical procedures and standards. So I prepared lots of one-time needles and gloves this time."

All set

Feng Ai, a doctoral candidate at the Shanghai Fudan University who has won many honorary titles such as China Top Ten Outstanding Young Volunteers, is the leader of the team. She said: "As the leader of the team heading for Ethiopia I feel a lot of pressure!"

"I have been to western China twice to join the one-year voluntary service in helping education there. The second time I was the team leader. Perhaps it was because of my experience there that they picked me!" said Feng Ai heartily. "Hardship? Then we have to overcome! No one knows for sure what is waiting us there, but this shouldn't be a problem. Once abroad we represent not only Chinese young volunteers, but more importantly our country. This is the first time for me to take part in an overseas service as a Chinese young volunteer. I will do my best to teach the Chinese language, make more Ethiopian friends and become a young emissary for the China-Ethiopia friendship.", said Feng Ai with fervor and assurance.

Li Liangzhong from the Capital Institute of Physical Education said firmly: "My going there is none other than to repay the society! I came from the rural area. Without help from the society I wouldn't be able stand here today. I want to repay what society has given me and present the spirit of Chinese young volunteers to the outside world with my best ability."

By People's Daily Online