Author: Li Jiajia

Publisher: Southern Rural Daily  

Date: November 20, 2024  

At Jinan University, a dedicated volunteer team is passionately committed to environmental protection and the promotion of green concepts. Known as the Jinan University “Green” Youth Volunteer Service Team, they are actively involved in ecological initiatives aimed at achieving “clear waters, green mountains, and blue skies” while contributing to the ecological construction of a beautiful Guangdong and the coordinated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

(JNU “Green” youth volunteer service team members)

Established in 1997 under the guidance of the Communist Youth League Jinan University Committee and supported by the College of Environment and Climate, the team has a rich history of 27 years. It has trained over 1,900 volunteers from various regions, including mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, who study diverse majors such as environmental science, computer science, law, and foreign languages. The team leverages their expertise to promote environmental awareness across campus and beyond, becoming key players in the ecological development of the region.

(The Team engaged in a discussion with reporters from Southern Rural Daily.)

Members of the team are encouraged to embrace Xi Jinping's ecological civilization ideology, which serves as their guiding principle. Chen Da, Dean of the School of Environment and Climate, emphasized that the team engages in various activities, including environmental protection campaigns, science popularization competitions, and social research. The goal is to enhance students’ sense of responsibility and mission, broaden their perspectives, and empower them to contribute to ecological construction in Guangdong.

Team member Li Tangjie shared that joining the service team has heightened her awareness of environmental issues, leading her to adopt sustainable practices such as avoiding disposable bags and recycling. Zheng Zhen, the team’s guiding teacher, noted that the experiences gained by team members will influence their actions in society, creating a ripple effect of environmental stewardship.

(The service team held environmental science outreach activities in primary and secondary schools.)

One of the team’s most impactful initiatives is its environmental science education program for primary and secondary schools, which has been running for 15 years and reached over 12,000 students. Member Zhang Xiaoqi highlighted the importance of instilling environmental values in children, helping them envision a greener future.

(The team members took part in science popularization competitions.)

In recent years, the Jinan “Green” Youth Volunteer Service Team has organized various cultural and educational activities, such as photography and calligraphy competitions, noise detection, dual carbon knowledge contests, clothing recycling, and night runs, all aimed at promoting environmental awareness. They have also participated in significant projects like “Protecting Wetlands and Benefiting the People,” which was recognized as a provincial key team for social practice in 2023.

(An original science popularization poster created by the service team.)

(Parents of students presented banners to the service team.)

The team’s efforts culminated in the establishment of the “Green Beauty” Science Popularization Promotion Team, which has conducted environmental education activities in several local schools for over 15 years, reaching nearly 10,000 individuals. They actively participate in science competitions to enhance their skills and promote environmental knowledge.

(Beixin Zhenghua Primary School presented the Service Team with a Certificate of Appreciation.)

The Jinan “Green” Youth Volunteer Service Team embodies a comprehensive approach to volunteerism, integrating service, social practice, technological competitions, and environmental advocacy. They call on everyone to take small steps in their daily lives to protect the environment and work towards a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.