For Sammy, volunteering in China became an opportunity to connect with her host school in a way that went beyond language and the classroom. With a strong background in sport, she saw an opening to introduce something new to her students – netball – and in doing so, created a powerful platform for connection, teamwork, and cultural exchange.
Early in her placement, Sammy noticed how enthusiastic students were about physical activity and team sports. While many were familiar with basketball and other popular sports, netball was something completely new. With the support of the school, Sammy helped set up a small netball club, starting with basic rules, simple drills, and a lot of encouragement.
“At first, none of the students had heard of netball,” Sammy said. “But once we started playing, they were hooked. It didn’t matter that the rules were new – they just loved being part of a team.”
What began as informal sessions quickly grew into a regular activity, with more students joining each week. Sport became a shared language, breaking down barriers and creating space for natural interaction between Sammy and her students. Through netball, students practised communication, cooperation, and confidence, all while having fun.
“Sport made everything feel easier,” Sammy explained. “Even when language was a challenge, we could still connect through movement, teamwork, and laughter.”
The netball club also became an opportunity for cultural exchange. Sammy shared stories about sport in New Zealand, school life, and how netball is played at home, while students shared their own experiences and sporting interests. Teachers and staff were equally supportive, curious to see how an unfamiliar sport could energise students in new ways.
For Sammy, the experience highlighted how volunteering is not just about delivering set activities, but about responding to the interests and strengths volunteers bring with them.
“I didn’t expect to start a netball club,” she said. “But volunteering gave me the freedom to contribute in my own way and to share something that’s a big part of who I am.”
The Hongi Volunteer Programme encourages volunteers to engage with their host communities beyond the classroom, whether through sport, music, culture, or shared hobbies. Sammy’s experience shows how sport can be a powerful tool for people-to-people exchange, creating friendships and shared memories that last long after the programme ends.
By the time Sammy completed her placement, netball had become a regular fixture at the school – a small but meaningful legacy of her time there.
For future volunteers, her story is a reminder that sometimes the most impactful exchanges happen through simple, everyday activities. Whether you’re passionate about sport, arts, language, or culture, the Hongi Volunteer Programme offers the opportunity to share your interests, connect with others, and build genuine international friendships.
