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Young Ghanaian becomes “goalkeeper”of community-based anti-epidemic work: Filled with gratitude and love
Chinanews 2021年10月14日 15:26
Chinanews 2021年10月14日 15:26


Wang Dawei (Chinese name) is responsible for checking health QR code as a volunteer during the epidemic. [Photo provided to CNS]

“Vaccination and COVID-19 testing are free for me just like other Chinese people. I have long regarded Yiyang as my second home, and as a family, I surely should offer help.” Wang Dawei (Chinese name), Ghanaian, volunteered in the epidemic prevention and control work of Yiyang, Hunan, which in his words was “giving a peach in return for a plum” (returning the favors).

Five years ago, Wang Dawei, 26, came all the way from the Republic of Ghana to study at Hunan City University in Yiyang, out of his love for China. In this August, a COVID-19 case was diagnosed in Yiyang. Among the volunteers on the front line of epidemic prevention, this tall and tanned guy from Ghana was particularly eye-catching.

Every day during the hottest time from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Wang, wearing a volunteer’s red vest and speaking fluent mandarin, organizes people to maintain 1-meter gap when standing in a queue, and checks the health QR code at Taohualun Street Community Health Service Center for COVID-19 testing and vaccination. When he meets seniors who don’t know how to use QR code, he is always ready to answer with patience and offer help.

Wang Dawei (Chinese name), Ghanaian, becomes “goalkeeper” of community-based anti-epidemic work in Yiyang, Hunan. [Photo provided to CNS]
Wang Dawei (Chinese name), Ghanaian, becomes “goalkeeper” of community-based anti-epidemic work in Yiyang, Hunan. [Photo provided to CNS]

“I used my Chinese name when signing up, so the volunteer association didn't expect me to be a foreigner, and was worried that I would be a green hand, so they asked me to think over.” The memory of that sign-up day is still fresh in Wang’s mind. Wang happened to know the volunteer work right after being fully vaccinated, so he soon thought about helping others.

When asked the reason to be a volunteer in a foreign country, Wang told CNS that he has made many friends in this city as a fan of sports and workout. People would often invite him to try black tea and local delicacies. During holidays, friends would also invite him home to experience Chinese festive customs. “They are all very simple and kind, very nice to me, and will do their best to help in case of difficulties. I like the ‘intimacy’ in China.”

Although he is a “recruit” in the volunteer team, Wang is very active and patient when explaining the policies. This also helped him win the appraisal from Wang Wen, Chairman of Yiyang Benevolence Volunteers Association, “He works very carefully. When he sees senior residents coming for COVID-19 testing, he will always run over to help right away. Despite the hot weather, he keeps running back and forth and often gets sweaty all over. He is a great international volunteer.”

Wang Dawei (Chinese name) is invited to his friend’s house to experience Chinese festive customs. [Photo provided to CNS]
Wang Dawei (Chinese name) is invited to his friend’s house to experience Chinese festive customs. [Photo provided to CNS]

As an international student, Wang is already very familiar with Yiyang, city on the bank of Lake Dongting. Compared with Shenzhen, Hangzhou and other big cities in China, Wang thinks Yiyang is a comfortable, livable and vibrant city with outstanding people and unique regional culture.

Hunan local snacks also appeal to Wang’s appetite. “My favorite is stir-fried pork with peppers, for the aroma and tenderness of the pork. Whenever my Chinese friends see I’m into the dish, they would cook more, and I can eat several bowls of rice with it.” Wang practices cooking in his dormitory whenever he can, and when he returns to Ghana, he cooks Chinese dishes for his family.

Having witnessed the unimaginably rapid economic and social development during Wang’s five years in China, he was both amazed and inspired. Three years ago, Wang transferred from Chinese language program to computer programming, hoping to find a job in Yiyang after graduation. “I also recommended my younger brother to study in Yiyang. He has submitted his application.”

Wang Dawei (Chinese name) makes many friends as a fan of sports and workout. [Photo provided to CNS]
Wang Dawei (Chinese name) makes many friends as a fan of sports and workout. [Photo provided to CNS]

“I like China and Yiyang. I feel secure here,” said Wang. During the epidemic, all the anti-epidemic personnel were fully devoted to work and never asked for reward. Their team spirit and dedication won the respect from Wang, and made him more determined to stay in this City.

【Editor:gao】