江苏留学网

Students from the Huaiyin Institute of Technology, members of the fourth voluntary teaching at remote places in Southwest China, pose for a group photo at the launching ceremony on May 26. [Photo/univs.cn]

Many students in China’s cities volunteer to teach in less prosperous areas of the country, but one group of undergraduates at Huaiyin Institute of Technology in Jiangsu province have taken on an even greater challenge.

The group has spent three summers giving classes to pupils in remote mountainous areas in Southwest China, thousands of miles away from their college.

Now, the team is ready to start their fourth stint, with a launch ceremony for this year’s program being held at Huaiyin’s campus on May 26.

The students will spend their time teaching in Yunnan, near the border with Myanmar, as well as Guizhou and Sichuan provinces, areas where income and development levels are still far below those found on China’s wealthier coastal areas.

Students attending the previous voluntary teaching in Yunnan province share their experiences and feelings. [Photo/jsenews.com]

He Wenheng, one of the students who has spent three summers with children in Yunnan, said the trips have been such positive experiences that he keeps on signing up again each year.

“The interesting and unforgettable memories have set a positive tone, and encouraged us to take part in the program over and over again,” he said.

The team members were also played a video message from a group of students from Yunnan during the launch ceremony.

“We missed you so much big brothers and sisters! We are looking forward to this summer vacation, will you be back then?” chorused the students.