Living room to legacy

Luo Xiaomei said the free English class is her 5-year-old daughter's favorite. "The volunteer teachers are very committed and know how to engage kids in learning," she said.

"I've signed her up for other classes — boxing, dancing, calligraphy, basketball, and public speaking — but this is the one she loves the most. She never wants to miss a class."

This well-organized and efficient program is run entirely by the Magnolia Volunteer Service Group, which now has 20 members — 10 in teaching roles and 10 handling management — according to managing director Zhu Nana, a sophomore majoring in English.

Zhu taught the class during her freshman year and now leads the group, responsible for selecting student teachers, overseeing operations, and communicating with parents.

"There's fierce competition for teaching spots — everyone wants to be part of this legendary program," she said.

"We select candidates based on their academic performance, teaching ability, and communication skills."

Since many graduates from the university go on to become teachers at primary and secondary schools, the program also offers students hands-on teaching experience, she added.

Recently, international students at the college have also joined the volunteer initiative.

Aleksandra Vziatkova, 22, a Russian student in the Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL) program, has taught the English class four times this semester.

"I really enjoy interacting with Chinese students," she said. "I'm very happy to be part of the program, which offers me valuable insight into the Chinese education system."