Started to work as volunteers in China  

Posted by Upul Gamage

A Drizzle Day with Delightful Experience

It was a day with a drizzle. We got up at the dawn of the day and got together at dormitory-06 compound of CCNU to start an event doing something, but expecting nothing. This is my maiden experience as a volunteer in Wuhan, China. At the day end, I re-defined myself what volunteering is, it is nothing but dedication, kindness and cross cultural understanding. I hear all the way, some people are making comments on some cultures and people. But, we do not have good and bad cultures or good and bad people in the world in a deep sense. Instead, there are different cultures and diverse people. It is not a matter of the continent or the color of the skin, but it is a matter of our perception and attitude. The day was extremely divers in terms of the cultural experience and in terms of the events undertaken. The languages of volunteers were different. Our geographical experiences were almost different, but at a particular point, we all were the same as the intention was selfless.
In order to accomplish the expected intention, the language was not a barrier and the culture was not at all a barrier. This teaches us a new lesson; volunteers are universal citizens. We first arrived at Optics Valley which is surrounded by flowery landscapes and isolated green mountains. The constructions of the area were amazing as they were really environmentally catered. This must be called as sustainable development which invites for a green city. Though we were not similar in language expressions, understanding each other and mingling were truly meaningful. Therefore, the expected event took place without any trouble. The day also was decorated by pleasing smiles of Chinese university friends.
And the lunch encounter was another new cross cultural experience to understand what human empathy is. The drizzle day was gradually transforming into a moderate rain but it was not very much conscious for us as we all engaged with the scheme of work.
The event followed by the lunch was in a lake scenery where we all paddled bicycles as a camaraderie competition. Paddling bicycles for seven kilometers along the East lake dam was not at all tired for us as we really were enjoying the event. What is extremely fascinating all out of the all is the punctuality of our team. As agreed, everyone got together before 9.00 am and dispersed by 3.00 pm. Eventually, the event inspired me and my team into another such interesting event where we may help people or where we could extend our support for whoever it is required.