SCUPI

First Session: Warmth-Sending Activity

The Youth Volunteer Association of Sichuan University – Pittsburgh Institute (SCUPI) organized a meaningful activity to express respect and gratitude to diligent workers. The event was successfully held at the Jiang’an South Campus of Sichuan University on April 30^th.

I. Say thank you to the workers

At the beginning of the activity, Yang Yuan, the property manager, introduced the composition of the workers for SCUPI. Subsequently, volunteers delivered carefully prepared greeting cards and gifts to staff members in security, cleaning, landscaping, and maintenance. Each greeting card carried the students’ respect and blessings for the workers, and each gift conveyed warmth and care in full.

II. Experience the work

After giving out the gifts, the volunteers were divided into groups to go deep into the workplaces of various positions, starting a unique experience journey. Here, they were no longer observers but special workers, feeling the dedication and perseverance of the workers with their hearts.

Guardians of Campus Safety

In the fire control room, the security guards patiently explained the uses and operating procedures of various equipment to the volunteers. The students learned that the fire control room can monitor the status of fire-fighting facilities on campus in real-time. Once an abnormal condition occurs, the system will immediately sound an alarm to ensure rapid response and handling of emergencies. At the information desk, the students also observed that the security guards ensured the safety of students on campus with strict registration and management processes.

Beauticians of Campus Environment

To experience the daily work of cleaning workers, volunteers shuttled between classrooms, restrooms, and other areas, assisting cleaning workers in tasks such as floor sweeping and table wiping. During breaks in operations, the cleaning workers explained in detail the cleaning points of different areas while also inquiring about the volunteers’ academic pressure and extracurricular schedules, reminding them to pay attention to relaxation.

Guardians of Campus Landscaping

The forest ranger first guided the volunteers to identify the characteristics of weeds to be removed (fine leaves, soft stems, no buds) and emphasized operational norms: wearing gloves to prevent scratches, bending knees to protect the waist, stacking the roots upwards after pulling out, retaining seedlings below 3 centimeters, and avoiding thorny plants. Subsequently, the volunteers practiced in groups.

Maintainers of Campus Facilities

The maintainers led the volunteers to visit the power distribution room, rainwater recovery system, and water supply room, and introduced the civil defense engineering of the building. During the visit, the maintainer introduced the simple working principles of each facility to the volunteers, explained how the rainwater recovery system works, and demonstrated the working process of the pump room. During the visit and explanation, the volunteers felt the necessity of converting theoretical knowledge into practice.

III. Get Full Harvest

This volunteer activity not only sent warmth and care to the workers but was also a meaningful experience for the students participating in the activity. They gained full movement and growth during the activity, expressing that through this activity, they understood the true meaning of labor and cherished the efforts of every worker around them even more.

In the future, the volunteers will continue to pay tribute to the workers with practical actions and repay their efforts with gratitude. Finally, thank you again to every diligent worker. You are the most beautiful scenery on campus!

‌Second Session: Hand-painted Tuanshan (Round Fan) Activity‌

On May 6th, the Youth Volunteer Association of Sichuan University – Pittsburgh Institute (SCUPI) successfully held the Hand-painted Tuanshan (Round Fan) volunteer activity in Baijiachang Community. As the first event in the series of SCUPI community volunteer activities, this event revolved around the theme of Tuanshan, aiming to enhance community residents’ understanding of Chinese traditional culture by exploring the historical culture and production process of Tuanshan while stimulating their creativity and hands-on skills. From knowledge quizzes to hands-on practices, the event was entertaining and interactive, bringing new vitality to traditional culture.

I. Event Opening

A cultural journey using fans as the medium was conducted. The host asked questions surrounding topics such as “the original uses of the Tuanshan” and “the materials of early Tuanshan”, with community residents actively participating in answering and discussing. This part fully sparked everyone’s interest in Tuanshan and laid a solid foundation for subsequent activities.

II. Knowledge Presentation

The host began with the origins of Tuanshan in the Han and Tang dynasties, systematically reviewing the evolution of its materials and tracing its historical development. During the presentation, the host introduced the multiple symbolic meanings of Tuanshan in Chinese culture, whether as elegant objects held by scholars or as ceremonial symbols on different occasions. They have always been important cultural symbols in Chinese culture.

III. Hand-drawing process

With the help and guidance of volunteers, the residents painted the fans. During the exhibition, everyone shared their creative inspirations. Creators admired each other’s works and exchanged ideas.

IV. Event Conclusion

At the end of the event, volunteers presented postcards to the residents as souvenirs, and a group photo was taken. Many residents expressed that this event not only allowed them to understand the cultural connotations of Tuanshan but also enabled them to experience the subtlety of traditional craftsmanship and the joy of handmade creation through personal production.

This volunteer activity adopted a combination of interactive question-and-answer sessions, knowledge presentations, and creative practices, vividly showcasing the charm of traditional culture in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The event received unanimous praise from the residents and was a complete success. In the future, SCUPI will deepen cooperation with Baijiachang Community to continuously launch more high-quality volunteer service projects, injecting vitality into the community through various volunteer activities.