The second China International Import Expo was successfully held from 5th to 10th November, 2019. There were a total of 5,554 volunteers, called “little leaves” working for CIIE from 38 universities, being the main group of CIIE volunteers. Among them were 34 “little leaves” from SBC, 24 responsible for the reception of Chinese and foreign heads of state and other dignitaries, and 10 working flexibly. Whether front of house or behind the scenes, welcoming guests or waiting patiently, our “little leaves” from SBC won praise from all sides.
Young faces show the spirit of volunteering
“On 6th November, there were 220,000 visitors, with the busiest surely the Chinese exhibition hall, the C919 plane simulator and the Jiao Long VR experience. The amazing achievements definitely show the success of our country”. The experience from CIIE was unforgettable for volunteer Yizhan, Wang, a manufacturing systems engineering student. “My main job was reception, from organization to introduction, with every detail important.”
Starting at CIIE each morning and studying in the evening was their daily life. In order to finish their tasks from work and their studies, SBC lecturers and students helped them in many ways. “We have nearly no free time when training and working. We sometimes take a nap during the lunch break!”, Jiahui Tan an events management student confided.
SBC students are powerful and energetic
“From the layout of the National Convention and Exhibition Centre, to essential facilities, every place has become extremely familiar to us.” Yang Ding, a Business Management student, thinks that volunteering is a national characteristic, requiring confidence and hard work. All SBC students are highly proficient English speakers and the 14 volunteers were assigned to the reception of foreign visitors.
During the exhibition, the “little leaves” successfully finished more and more tasks by encouraging and helping each other. Apart from reception work, they also helped to book flights, hotels, etc. “It’s quite challenging”. Fengpei Li, an Industrial Electronics and Control Engineering student told us. CIIE gave him the chance to witness the rapid development of China, winning recognition from other countries, and a good opportunity to broaden his vision and improve his abilities.
An unforgettable experience with so much learned
At the end of the assignment at CIIE, the volunteering centre prepared flowers and other gifts for the “little leaves” and held a “farewell” party. Yizhan Wang told us “the volunteer activity was a journey that enhances our social knowledge and we can relate to people from all industries, learning beyond our lectures”.
Through CIIE, our “little leaves” developed new abilities. They also met new friends from other universities, with volunteering another educational achievement of their time at SBC.
