Futian gears up for APEC with upgraded international volunteer program

Video by Jian Zhen

Against the backdrop of Xiangmi Park, alive with spring blooms, Futian District government launched a new package of international volunteer service projects Saturday afternoon, signaling a significant push to strengthen its volunteering infrastructure ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) set to be held in Shenzhen this November.

Visitors learn about volunteering in Shenzhen at a volunteer-themed event held in Xiangmi Park, Futian District on Saturday afternoon. Photos courtesy of the event organizers 

The launch, which coincided with China's annual Learn from Lei Feng Month — a tradition honoring the spirit of selfless service embodied by the beloved soldier-hero born in 1940 — drew volunteers, international students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across the district and beyond.

The new initiatives, branded collectively as "Starry Futian," encompass four programs: the APEC Futian Youth Ambassador, the "Link+" cross-cultural communication program, "Easy Futian" International Friendly Information Service, and "Hi-Tech" Youth Sci-tech Innovation Exploration. 

A volunteer introduces the "Easy Futian" service kit to visitors. 

Among the most talked-about features is the "Easy Futian" service kit — affectionately dubbed the "Three Treasures" of Volunteering — which bundles a multilingual convenience guide, a handbook designed for the young, and a smart volunteer wristband. Together, they give visitors and residents seamless access to navigation assistance, life services, and emergency support.

New members to the Futian International Volunteer Advisory Committee pose for a group photo. 

The event also welcomed new members to the Futian International Volunteer Advisory Committee, a body tasked with providing professional guidance to elevate the district's international volunteer services. 

One of the newly appointed members is Ffion Rose Maria Clift from the U.K., a primary school teacher who arrived in Futian eight months ago. For her, the appointment carries deep personal meaning.

Ffion Rose Maria Clift from the U.K. listens as a guest delivers a speech. 

"When I arrived, it was such a welcoming environment — my first time coming to China," she said. "I feel so honored now to have the opportunity to give back to all the other international visitors coming to Shenzhen, especially during this time for APEC."

Clift, who teaches foreign languages, noted that Futian's multilingual infrastructure has already made a strong impression on her. "The English level in Futian is amazing — so many bilingual signs on the metros, transportation, maps for giving directions. As long as we continue to do that, everyone is going to be able to thrive here no matter what language they speak."

When APEC arrives in November, she sees the committee's role as vital, if understated. "It's always often behind the scenes," she said. "The volunteers are here to support everyone, help run everything smoothly, and welcome all the visitors."

That spirit of quiet dedication was echoed throughout the afternoon. Bruno Amorim Ribeiro, a 24-year-old Brazilian master's student at the Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, was among the international faces in the crowd. 

Bruno Amorim Ribeiro from Brazil exchanges with a volunteer. 

Having arrived in the city just one semester ago, Ribeiro is already a committed volunteer — the kind who, by his own admission, is usually "the first one to register" whenever an opportunity arises. "It's very important for us international students not only to meet new people but also to contribute in some way," he said. 

Back in Brazil, Ribeiro regularly helped out at university seminars and congress events, handling everything from stage setup to guest reception. He sees the same potential here, particularly with his language skills. "I speak Portuguese and Spanish fluently besides English," he noted. "By November, I think I'm going to have a better grasp of the city — about a year and a few months in — so I hope I can provide many different things to help."

His overall impression of the new program was glowing. "The infrastructure is great, very well organized. The overall structure of the volunteer program and all the materials looks excellent."

Wearing the iconic red volunteer vest, Alena Shish, an American entrepreneur who has been living in or visiting Futian on and off for over a decade, and is now working in Futian, came to the event buzzing with enthusiasm — and left more inspired than she had expected.  

Volunteers listen attentively as a guest makes a speech. 

"I did not realize how many volunteer organizations there are just in Futian," she said, scanning the roughly 30 stalls that filled the fairground, showcasing the achievements of the district's volunteer teams, projects, and stations. "When I walked in, I was quite surprised. It's just so cool to see how specific they are — one for the Kunpeng Trail, fire department volunteers, all different kinds. It's amazing, honestly, to see so many people helping out just out of the goodness of their own heart."

Shish has already begun contributing in her own way, meeting with Futian's International Friendship Exchange Center to share insights on the practical challenges foreigners face when moving to Shenzhen. "Just shared some experiences about questions that foreigners have when they move here, and what kinds of things would make life easier — for travelers, but also for residents," she explained. 

With APEC on the horizon, she is eager to do more. "I would love to get more involved in just being around different places around the city, introducing Shenzhen to visitors. I also speak Chinese, so I think it'd be fun to do some translation — that kind of thing."

Futian's youth ambassadors make the multilingual speech "Amazing Futian Awaits You."

One of the day's most memorable moments came during th in which the district's youth ambassadors from China and abroad addressed the crowd in Chinese, English, Russian, French, and Spanish, drawing rounds of applause with their energy.