Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

Fifty days of cross-cultural exchanges ended at Zhuhai 9th Middle School on July 5 as dozens of students from Duke University from the United States finished their voluntary support education at the middle school.

A closing ceremony, which received the attendance of more than 390 participants, was held in order to show gratitude to what the volunteers have done to Zhuhai students.

During their stay in Zhuhai, local school students were taught to speak English, Japanese and French more fluently. There were also classes that helped them develop skills in ballet, modern dance, cheerleading and hip hop. Many students also joined football and baseball clubs while practicing drawing, DIY, singing, and photography, under the guidance of the Duke students.

It is a tradition that dates back to nine years for Duke University to send volunteers annually to the Zhuhai school between May and July. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University is renowned for high research levels, and has received a donation from Melinda Ann Gates, wife of Microsoft Corporation co-founder Bill Gates which was then used to fund such help. The education program also aids in architectural design, art, religion, and improving livelihoods.

"Local students are happy to access the outside world, and the volunteers have also found a good window to know China and Chinese culture," said a school leader. According to a project head, many of the volunteers took the initiative to learn Mandarin after they went back to their school with an increased awareness of China's development.

A ceremony is held at Zhuhai 9th Middle School on July 5 to mark the conclusion of 56 days of teaching assistance by volunteers from Duke University.

Volunteer teachers and Zhuhai 9th Middle School students pose for a group photo.

A Duke University student practices Chinese calligraphy. [Photos by Cheng Lin, Gao Yinglian / WeChat account (ID: zhxiangzhou)]