On December 21, 2024, in celebration of the traditional Chinese Winter Solstice Festival, international students from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), visited the Jiujiu Sunset Red Nursing Home. Together, they shared a warm and joyous afternoon with the elderly residents.

The Winter Solstice, an important festival in Chinese culture, carries deep meanings of family reunion and warmth. Taking this opportunity, the volunteer event not only offered international students a window into Chinese holiday customs, but also fostered a spirit of love and service through close interactions with elderly people, conveying festive cheer.

The event began in the nursing home’s dining hall, where the elderly residents and international students gathered around a table to make dumplings, a traditional activity associated with the Winter Solstice. Although the students were initially unfamiliar with the art of dumpling-making, they quickly picked up the skill under the patient guidance of the elderly residents. As they work together, the atmosphere grew lively, with  conversations and laughter filling the room.

After making dumplings, the group moved on to making paper-cuts and writing Spring Festival couplets, further immersing themselves in the charm of Chinese New Year traditions. Through each fold and cut, intricate patterns emerged on the red paper, and beautiful wishes were inscribed with every brushstroke. This tradition was passed down from one generation to the next, while the interaction between the Chinese and international students sparked new ideas and innovations.

While creating the paper cuts and writing couplets, the international students introduced the elderly to simple greetings such as “Hello” and “Thank you” in their native languages, which brought smiles and joy to the elderly residents. Some of the residents even joined the students for a joyful dance, holding hands and celebrating the newfound friendships. The warmth of friendship transcended barriers of age, distance, and language, flourishing in the lively dance steps.

The event concluded with everyone savoring the dumplings they had made together. The steaming dumplings not only warmed their bodies but also their hearts. Sitting together, the elderly and international students shared stories and experiences, filling the room with laughter and joy. Before parting ways, everyone gathered for a group photo to capture this heartwarming moment.

This volunteer event not only allowed the elderly residents to feel the care and warmth of youth from around the world but also provided international students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in traditional Chinese culture. Through this activity, the students not only learned traditional crafts such as dumpling-making, paper cutting, and writing Spring Festival couplets but also gained a deeper understanding of the richness of Chinese culture and its emphasis on human compassion.

The International College of USTC has always been committed to fostering students' understanding and affinity for China, as well as their sense of social responsibility. This Winter Solstice volunteer event is a testament to the college’s educational philosophy. In future, the international college will continue to organize similar activities to provide students with more opportunities to learn about China and serve society.