To deeply study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important directives on further advancing the "Learning from Lei Feng" initiative, and to vigorously promote the traditional Chinese virtues of respecting the elderly, the Youth League Committee at the Open University of China (OUC, also known as Seniors University of China, SUC) organised the "Volunteer Youth" intelligent community elderly care volunteer service on 19 March 2024.
More than 40 young faculty and staff members across 33 departments (including directly affiliated enterprises) of the university visited the College Home Intelligent Elderly Community on College Road (Xueyuan Lu) in Haidian District. They provided one-on-one tutoring to the elderly on using smartphone software, helping them to enjoy a digital life and achieve a happy and digital retirement.
At the event, young volunteers assisted the elderly in digitising their treasured old photographs, subsequently restoring and colorizing them. For the elderly, each faded photo represents not just a passage of time, but also a deep emotional attachment they are hesitant to let go of. Under the meticulous guidance of the volunteers, these old photographs gradually became clearer and more vibrant through digitisation. The digitalisation process not only allowed the elderly to reminisce about the good old days but also enabled them to fully appreciate the boundless surprises and conveniences offered by advancements in science and technology.
The volunteers patiently and meticulously assisted the elderly in navigating mobile phones, building a bridge across the digital divide. In teaching the elderly to embrace digital technology, the volunteers not only facilitated their access but also experienced personal growth and emotional fulfillment. This intergenerational exchange of knowledge and warmth transcends age, delivering love and connectivity that unites all participants.
This volunteer activity underscores the enthusiasm of the youth at OUC (SUC) to eagerly embrace social responsibility. Participants unanimously agreed to further champion the spirit of Lei Feng, proactively engage in volunteer service, and contribute the youthful vigour to the development of a society and country of learning country where lifelong learning is pursued by all.
By OUC Youth League Committee