For many volunteers, one of the most unexpected and rewarding aspects of the Hongi Volunteer Programme is the opportunity to take part in major public cultural events. For volunteers placed in Fuzhou, Jiangxi Province, this included performing at the Fuzhou International Cultural Festival, an event that brought together performers, artists, and community groups from across China and overseas.
The festival, shown in the accompanying video, highlights how volunteering through the Hongi programme extends far beyond classroom assistance. It places young New Zealanders directly into community life, where cultural exchange is experienced in real time and shared with large public audiences.
“I never imagined I’d be standing on a stage in China, representing New Zealand culture,” one volunteer reflected. “It was nerve-wracking at first, but also incredibly special.”
The Fuzhou International Cultural Festival is designed to celebrate diversity and people-to-people connections. Performances range from traditional Chinese music and dance to international cultural showcases, giving local audiences the chance to experience cultures from around the world. For Hongi volunteers, participation in the festival was both an honour and a responsibility. They were not simply guests, but cultural ambassadors, sharing aspects of Aotearoa New Zealand through movement, performance, and presence.
“The crowd was so welcoming,” another volunteer said. “Even though we came from different countries and spoke different languages, there was an immediate sense of connection.”
Many volunteers arrive in China unsure of what to expect. Taking part in a large-scale cultural festival challenges them to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and engage with the public in a meaningful way. Preparing for the event required collaboration with local organisers, students, and performers, offering insight into how community events are organised and celebrated in China.
“It pushed me in the best possible way,” one participant said. “I had to be confident, open, and proud of where I come from.”
While the performance itself was a highlight, its impact went far deeper. Volunteers were welcomed into the wider community and treated as part of the event rather than visitors passing through. Experiences like this help volunteers develop confidence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills that remain long after they return to New Zealand.
“We weren’t just performing,” another volunteer explained. “For that moment, we were part of the community.”
Events such as the Fuzhou International Cultural Festival demonstrate what makes the Hongi Volunteer Programme unique. Volunteers are not placed on the sidelines; they are encouraged to actively participate in local life, whether through cultural performances, community events, or informal exchange.
“This experience completely changed how I see China,” one volunteer said. “It felt human, warm, and incredibly welcoming.”
Participation in festivals, cultural events, and community activities is just one aspect of the Hongi Volunteer Programme. Each placement offers different opportunities shaped by local communities and volunteer interests, but all share a focus on meaningful people-to-people exchange.
For those considering applying, the programme offers the chance to gain international experience, build lasting friendships, and take part in cultural moments that few people ever experience.
