Illuminating futures: ZJU volunteers reflect on transformative teaching in underserved areas

Generation after generation, Zhejiang University's Graduate Volunteer Teaching Groups have passed the baton, with 25 batches and 349 volunteers dedicating their efforts to teaching in China's less developed central and western regions. Recently, members from the 25th batch shared their transformative teaching experiences.

WANG Hao, who teaches biology to 8th graders at Dongchen Middle School, shares his transformative journey from summer to winter, growing alongside his students. On the podium, I offer more than lessons; I share hope, inspiration, and dreams. Navigating the mountainous terrain, from classroom teaching to delivering supplies in rural areas, presents its own challenges. Yet, it's these very challenges that shape our mission. Step by step, we endeavor to open doors to a brighter future for the Yi children.

Upon arriving in Liangshan, the initial trepidation felt by the new volunteers was quickly dissipated by the genuine smiles of their students and the unwavering support of local educators. HUANG Xinyi, teaching Chinese to 6th graders at Wanda Sunac School, recounts heartwarming encounters with locals expressing their gratitude. Through this experience, I've gained a deeper understanding of the power of education and the value of teaching assistance.

Guan Bingtao, leading the Zhaojue Teaching Group and teaching mathematics to fourth graders at Zhaojue County Ethnic Key Boarding Primary School, is driven by the desire to connect his students with the world beyond their mountains. Since many children do not have the opportunity to leave Zhaojue, I engage them with activities like drawing the Asian Games mascots and experiencing the grandeur of the Hangzhou Asian Games through art. I also brought them line drawings of the murals from the Dunhuang Grottoes, coloring these line drawings of cultural relics with thousands of years of history, to experience the charm of different cultures.

Tang Yuting, a ninth-grade physics teacher at Wanda Sunac School, describes her students as social experts. In fact, when I first arrived here, I was worried about how to get along with the students. But fortunately, I have a group of 'social expert students'.  They introduced me to the natural beauty surrounding us and walked me home, fostering a quick and deep bond. They are aware of the wonders beyond the mountains but understand the courage required to explore them. I am well aware of how small my own strength is, but I chose to do what is seemingly impossible, trying to do a little more for them, bit by bit.

These stories from ZJU's volunteer teachers are not just tales of teaching; they are narratives of courage, hope, and the unyielding belief in the transformative power of education. Through their dedication, they hope to inspire more individuals to contribute to this noble cause，further paving the way for a brighter future in China's most secluded corners.