The World Maritime Equipment Conference 2024 concluded successfully, thanks to the dedication of 325 student volunteers and 30 teacher volunteers from eight universities in Fuzhou and its surrounding areas. These volunteers provided a diverse array of services spanning seven categories and 14 tasks, including ceremonial reception, media support, registration assistance, conference support, exhibition support, hotel services, and comprehensive logistics. Operating under the collective name “Little Jasmines,” these young volunteers contributed over 19,000 hours of professional and enthusiastic service. Their warmth and dedication left a lasting impression on guests worldwide, proudly showcasing the exemplary spirit of Fuzhou’s youth on a global stage.
Volunteers assist visitors with mobile registration and QR code scanning for entry.Reporter: Bao Hua / Photography
Heartwarming Service Earns Praise
Wu Lihan, a retired soldier and a member of the Communist Party of China from Fuzhou Polytechnic, brought his extensive volunteer experience to the event. During his time in the military, Wu volunteered for several major events, including the Beijing Winter Olympics. As the team leader for volunteers at the turnstiles, his outstanding service received frequent commendation from visitors.
“On the morning of the 17th, an elderly lady came to the gate, saying she had forgotten to take photos while visiting the exhibition the day before and regretted it. She wanted to go back to the venue to take some pictures but didn’t know how to proceed,” Wu Lihan recalled. After hearing her story, he immediately guided her through the reservation process on her phone, helping her successfully re-enter the venue. “She was overjoyed and turned back at the gate to say, ‘Young man, thank you. I’ll remember you!’”
Wu Meixian from Yango University received numerous compliments for her outstanding service. A seasoned volunteer at several large-scale events, Wu shared, “I was assigned to the Wharf of the Foochow Arsenal 1866 Cultural Scenic Area, where I assisted with orderly guidance for the vessel exhibits. One of the most memorable guests I helped was a woman wearing high heels and a man in a wheelchair.” According to the rules, high heels were forbidden for boarding the vessels. In the past, some visitors only discovered this at the boarding area, forcing them to go barefoot or forgo the visit entirely. However, Wu noticed the issue while the woman was waiting in line and promptly reminded her. This allowed the guest to retrieve a pair of flat shoes from her car. Grateful for Wu’s attentiveness, the woman gave her a heartfelt thumbs-up.
Later that afternoon, Wu encountered a disabled man in a wheelchair who left an even deeper impression. “He was fascinated by the vessels but couldn’t board due to his condition. I decided to push him around the dock, sharing everything I had learned from the tour guides over the past few days. Before leaving, he took a photo with me and said, ‘Meeting you made this trip worthwhile.’”
Showcasing Expertise, Sharing Fuzhou’s Stories
The lively presence of volunteers was also seen at Fuzhou Changle International Airport, Fuzhou Railway Station, and other key locations. Luo Zhongze, a student majoring in tour guiding at Minjiang Teachers College, was responsible for escorting out-of-town guests from transportation hubs to their designated vehicles. Leveraging his professional training, he provided guests with a smooth and efficient service experience. “As a Little Jasmine youth volunteer, I try to prioritize guests’ needs, offering warm and thoughtful service while showcasing Fuzhou’s hospitable and friendly image,” said Luo.
This year’s conference also recruited a group of volunteers proficient in English to assist international guests during their participation and interactions. These volunteers played a crucial role in enhancing the event’s global influence and outreach. Among them was Bian Yuan, a seasoned volunteer for the World Maritime Equipment Conference. Building on her experience from last year, she brought even greater enthusiasm and preparation to this year’s event. When accompanying foreign guests on visits to Fuzhou’s iconic landmarks, she meticulously prepared, delivering precise introductions to the city’s rich history. Her efforts earned the admiration and respect of international attendees. “Volunteer service is like a bridge connecting me to the world. I hope my efforts contribute to shining a light on Chinese maritime culture in the global exchange,” said Bian.
Cherishing the Stage, Embracing Valuable Growth
Among the student volunteers at this year’s event, more than 95% were born after 2000. Li Yiran, a student majoring in Ideological and Political Education at Fujian Normal University, participated in the World Maritime Equipment Conference as a volunteer for the second time. This year, she fulfilled her wish to join the publicity team, channeling her passion for media work and last year’s valuable experience into renewed enthusiasm for service. “I see every piece of news as an opportunity to showcase China to the world. It’s profoundly meaningful. Volunteer work has not only enhanced my teamwork, crisis management, and cross-cultural communication skills but also deepened my understanding of the value of giving back,” said Li.
Kang Tongli, a student from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, first attended the World Maritime Equipment Conference as a visitor last year. She was deeply impressed by the event’s grandeur and the rapid advancements in maritime technology. This year, she returned as a volunteer, gaining a behind-the-scenes perspective on the organization and operations of the conference. “The most important thing is that this experience greatly improved my communication and coordination skills, providing invaluable preparation for my future career,” said Kang. （Reporter: Li Bailei. Correspondents: Luo Jingcan and Hu Min.）
