Volunteering across continents
Through service and cultural exchange, a young volunteer brings hope to Bolivia and finds strength in self-growth.
Global bonds
As a resource mobilization assistant with the WFP, Wu responded promptly when a landslide, caused by heavy rainfall, struck Bolivia.
"I hurried to the disaster frontline and helped distribute WFP relief supplies to families, ensuring they received food and other essential aid," she recalled.
With three years of experience as a campus photojournalist, Wu also took the initiative to report from the disaster zones. She introduced new ideas, creating interview videos and supporting the WFP's social media efforts.
In addition to her volunteering, cultural exchange played a significant role in Wu's time in Bolivia, whether with local residents or fellow volunteers from around the world. "Most of the volunteers I worked with were Bolivian, but I also met young people from countries like South Korea and Italy," Wu said.
She introduced her international friends to Chinese cuisine, teaching them how to use chopsticks and preparing some of her favorite dishes.
"I even taught them a few Chinese phrases, and for a while, we greeted each other with 'nihao' instead of 'hello'," she fondly remembered.
On International Volunteer Day in 2024, Wu and her fellow volunteers engaged in discussions about the responsibilities and challenges of their work. "Despite coming from different countries, we are all united by the same belief: the desire to help and serve others," Wu said.
During this year's Spring Festival, Wu sometimes felt lonely, especially when she saw photos of Chinese New Year's Eve gatherings and festive celebrations shared by friends back home on social media.
"Even though I've made new friends from around the world, I still couldn't shake the feeling of homesickness," she said. "But I've also come to understand the true value of solitude — a chance to reflect and grow on my own."
Traveling alone to Bolivia, one of South America's less developed countries, the 22-year-old embraced the courage, faith, and solitude that came with being in a place so different from her own, both culturally and geographically.
"This experience has shown me that volunteer service requires a deep belief — the conviction that what you're doing is something you truly want to do and are willing to commit to," she said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to come to Bolivia at such a young age to serve this hospitable country, and I'm proud of the work I've done."
