JHE Summer Academy Visited Chinese Social Organizations in Beijing

During the days since the 2018 Joint Humanitarian Entrepreneurship Summer Academy begun in Beijing, for hours students seated in class, listened to lectures on SDGs, and in groups they debated about global challenges including structure of humanitarian system. When the moment to reflect on their learning and explore realities beyond classroom knowledge came, they took a Subway ride to Beijing Volunteer Service Federation (BVF) and China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA).

Summer Academy Students at Beijing Volunteer Service Federation Office

BVF is a social organization functioning as a hub connecting volunteer organizations of different sectors and at different levels. Within BVF, there is Beijing Volunteer Service Guidance Center that is responsible for planning, coordinating and promoting volunteer service in the city. The center has nine departments including International Affairs Department. 

 

Beijing Volunteer Service Federation Offices

BVF staff Lin Xiaoxiao and Qi welcomed the students and took them for a tour of different sections of the workplace. The guide-women showed them pictures and other displays that depict the history, accomplishments and operations of BVF within China and abroad.

Qi and Lin Xiaoxiao welcoming students

“The development of Beijing volunteer services dates back to 2003 with the establishment of Beijing Volunteer Association as the first provincial level volunteer association in China,” said Lin Xiaoxiao.

Lin Xiaoxiao explaining the development of BVF  

By 2016, volunteer platform in Beijing registered 3, 679, 184 volunteers and 56, 821 volunteer organizations. BVF has received more than 815 delegates of volunteer organizations from 50 countries and dispatched over 86 volunteers to over 20 countries and regions for international exchanges. Volunteer service has also gained international recognition by China’s involvement in the Development of International Volunteer Service and hosting of the first International Volunteer Service Exchange Conference in Beijing.  

Lin Xiaoxiao taking students through the timeline of BVF

 

Today, volunteers from China work alongside other international volunteer organizations including the UN Volunteers; they are deployed all over the world in places where their services are needed the most.

 

Students appreciating the work of BVF Worldwide and China’s efforts to achieve SDGs 

The volunteer service in China has tremendously expanded its capacity to provide excellent services during major national and international events including conferences and celebrations. Daily service volunteers have helped persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged to get access to community facilities and cultural and educational service.

 

Qi sharing narrating success stories of the BVF in pictures

Urban management volunteers have provided outstanding and selfless services during emergency response, assisted passengers in subways, and participated in environmental protection matters. Volunteers have further rendered great service during mega events including large conferences, large exhibitions, and sports events such as the Olympic Games.

Lin Xiaoxiao explaining major activities of the BVF

Students were privileged to meet one of the oldest and celebrated volunteer, popularly known as Grandma Cai. She is over 80 years old and has dedicated her life to volunteer services for over 10 years. The old woman appeared healthy, strong and charismatic enough to inspire new generations on volunteer service.

 

Grandma Cai addressing Summer Academy Students

“I used to suffer from cancer; however, with my commitment to volunteer services here at BVF, I have found myself healed, and not only that, the volunteer service enriches my soul and provides for all my personal needs,” she said.  A huge picture of her in the middle of many others is exhibited on the wall in recognition of her exceptional long-term volunteer services.   

Grandma Cai portrait with other prominent figures in Volunteer Service in China

Students were thrilled to discover how China has applied innovative ideas to address the many challenges that current global humanitarian system is facing in its attempt to achieve SDGs. The China’s volunteer service through elaborate research on volunteerism, recruitment and training of highly skilled volunteers is helping to address a number of global challenges such as poverty, disasters and humanitarian crisis within and worldwide.

 

Edward from BNU and students from other universities admiring BVF World Collections

In final wrap-up, the BVF staffs shared their personal backgrounds and experiences on volunteerism and BVF cooperation with UN Volunteers and other international volunteer organizations in effort to attain SDGs.

 

Debriefing session in the BVF Conference Room

Students had a chance to ask questions, to talk about the specific experiences on volunteerism in their countries, and share their thoughts on the visit to BVF.  Then it was time to bid farewell; all students gathered for a group photo and left the place with gratitude and smiles on their way to another organization called China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA).  

 

Delighted students after wrap-up events 

At China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation Offices, students were welcomed and introduced to the structure and work of the organization with a presentation and tour of the building. 

Introducing China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation

CFPA was established in 1989 and provides various poverty alleviation related programs both domestically within China and abroad, focusing on health, education, and rural livelihoods in particular.

Students were interested in CFPA activities 

 

Although registered as a Non-Governmental Organization, it is affiliated with the Ministry of Civil Affairs. When asked what the organization will do after 2020, when China aims to have eradicated poverty, the host jokingly said he did not know but he welcomes that day, and he was sure there would be more useful work beyond that anyway. 

CFPA staff and students at the end of the tour 

All the way with smiles

 

Written By: Lwana Palwendo Kamanga & Joseph Morgan Scally

Edited By: Xu Shiling

Photos By: Lwana & Edward