英闻天下——588 Doing Social Work: a Popular Lifestyle on Holiday

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　　Gao Peng volunteers at care centers for the elderly in his spare time. He helps with washing, and chats to the old timers to make them feel less lonely.

 

　　Gao Peng says they need to be cared for just like everyone else.

 

　　"A hug or a kiss, the seniors, they hug me very hard. I can feel they're really in need of affection."

 

　　Volunteering at this care center has taken almost all of Gao Peng's spare time over the last two years. He has studied psychology³ and nursing to aid his work. But he really enjoys talking to these older people.

 

　　"I take it as a lifestyle. I don't think it consumes too much of my time. I enjoy it."

 

　　In a nation wide study by Xiao Kang Magazine and Tsinghua University, more than half of those surveyed claimed to have participated in activities combining leisure and social works. More than 90 percent of respondents said they would like to be volunteers.

 

　　However, Shu Fumin, director of Xiao Kang Magazine reminds people that such activities come with responsibilities.

 

　　"Firstly, being a volunteer social worker in your holidays is your own decision. This may be harder than you imagine. You may find yourself focusing on work instead of enjoying your free time."

 

　　Shu Fumin suggests people that want to volunteer in the community should start with simple work that don't consume too much energy or time.

 

　　"One of the most popular choices is environmental protection. There are many projects like 'Carry one more kilogram', 'Bring your garbage bag', etc. Another alternative is to help care for disadvantaged people in remote and rural areas. Of course, you can also help senior people and orphans⁴ at a care center."

 

　　Shu Fumin says it's not the amount of social work you do that counts. The important thing is balancing your own time with the amount of effort you spend volunteering. This is the key to a fulfilling holiday.

 

　　For CRI, I am Li Dong.

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