The Jiangxi Volunteer Program, launched as part of the Bay of Plenty-Jiangxi relationship, offers young people from the Eastern Bay of Plenty the chance to experience life-changing cultural and educational opportunities in Jiangxi Province, China.
The program’s pilot, which ran from September to December 2024, brought eight volunteers to Jiangxi, introducing them to local languages, traditions, and cultures. It also connected participants with their specific interests, such as martial arts, traditional Māori and Chinese medicine, and film, fostering personal growth and cross-cultural understanding.
Designed for young people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to travel abroad, the program encourages participants to expand their horizons, forge international friendships, and become global citizens.
With plans to expand in 2025, the Jiangxi Volunteer Program is a testament to the enduring partnership between the Eastern Bay of Plenty and Jiangxi Province, strengthening ties and building bridges between cultures.
For more information or to get involved, contact Simon Appleton at simon@easternbridge.co.nz.