Guyanese Giving back to China

It’s quite mind boggling to think that there’s actually something that can be done to demonstrate gratitude and appreciation to China for sponsoring my MSc. Thoughts of donating materials are countered by the reality that ‘all manmade materials are made in China’. So what then can a simple Guyanese girl possibly be able to give?

The answer is a very simple one but profound in its ramifications. Ever since China entered the new era of opening up to the rest of the world, there has been an increasing urgency to learn English as a second language.  So there it was something I had that I can actually give. As a native English speaker, I found a niche where my help could be needed.

A perfect opportunity to assist came when Tongji University made an open call for volunteers to assist in teaching English in middle schools of rural areas of China through a partnership with Tongji University’s International Students’ office. I happily applied, went through the screening process and was selected for a mission to Li Zhuang, Sichuan China.

On October 21, 2018, I embarked on one of the most fascinating undertakings I’ve ever had. I was to spend two weeks in Li Zhuang along with three other volunteers and give English classes to students of Li Zhuang Middle School. Li Zhuang is a small town on the bank of the Yangtze River that holds intrinsic cultural value. It was a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai life. Popular for making the famous ‘bai jiu’ in china, the rich cultural vibe and traditional architecture of the town is intoxicating.

The outcomes of this task were tremendous. At the onset I thought I was giving something but the reality could not have been more dissimilar. I gave my time and language skills that came naturally and took nothing out of me but I gained so so much more. I taught English classes, assisted with music classes (English songs) , coordinated English corner activities and even assisted with some dance classes. I also presented aspects of Guyanese culture to the students who were amazed by the similarities and were eager to have conversations comparing Guyana and China.

Li Zhuang gave me a sense of purpose and an outlet for the yearning to give something back. It was also a placid reminder that like Guyana, China still has areas that don’t all look like what’s portrayed in the media. Immersion into authentic, rural Chinese culture fostered an appreciation for this fact.

I started this piece with the title ‘Giving back to China’ however my reflections have made me aware that maybe the encounter was more symbiotic.

About  Me

Reshana Thomas in the final year pursing a MSc. Environmental Science with a specialty in Environmental Management & Sustainable Development through UN-IESD , Tongji University, Shanghai, China.  

Post class selfie