Young volunteers in action, following in  footsteps of leaders of the overseas Chinese community

Fuqing Yuanzai Primary School's social practice and volunteer service in Liem Sioe Liong Memorial Hall

Mr. Liem Sioe Liong, a leader of the overseas Chinese community admired at home and abroad, once said "Diligence, thrift and hardworking are the virtues of the Chinese people; direction, determination and strategy are the first elements for success; and the ability to face failures fearlessly, work tirelessly, strategize, pull off surprise victories and think prudently are prerequisites for success".

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the passing of overseas Chinese leader Mr. Liem Sioe Liong, Fuqing Yuanzai Primary School students carried out social practice and volunteer service activities at Liem Sioe Liong Memorial Hall on 21 June 2022 .

Standing at attention for the leader of the overseas Chinese community

Stepping into the memorial hall, the students were greeted by a full-body statue of Mr. Liem Sioe Liong in the center of the hall, facing the direction of Niuzhai Village, as though he is guarding his hometown around the clock. The students approached the statue with great reverence and extended the Chinese Young Pioneers' salute to Mr. Liem Sioe Liong in gratitude for his selfless dedication to his hometown.

Reminiscent of the eventful past

Following the student guides through the memorial halls, the children witnessed the change of several eras and the unremitting fighting spirit of Mr. Liem Sioe Liong. They learnt that Mr. Liem, who was not afraid of hardship or tiredness, felt absolutely certain that he would make it if he worked hard. Mr. Liem has, through his actions, proved that the Chinese people are a great people. The young visitors were awed by his selfless devotion to his hometown.

Aspiring to be young volunteers

To express their respect and gratitude, the children carried out voluntary cleaning activities led by their teachers. Giving full play to  the spirit of being not afraid of hardship, tiredness and hard work, the children were seen everywhere in front of the memorial hall, cleaning up dead leaves, weeds and debris. Completing their voluntary cleaning tasks in an earnest and quality manner, the young students demonstrated in full the spirit of hardworking and being competent.

This volunteer trip was very meaningful and the children gained a lot from it. In just half a day, the children developed a deeper understanding of Mr. Liem Sioe Liong and the overseas Chinese culture, and their heart for Niuzhai, the hometown of overseas Chinese, grew fonder. Everything displayed in the memorial hall is like a snapshot of Mr. Liem Sioe Liong's remarkable life filled with extraordinarily rich memories. Photographs of the past tell the immortal achievements of Mr. Liem who contributed selflessly to his hometown. He personifies the spirit of patriotism, love for hometown, entrepreneurship, openness and inclusiveness. It is hoped that one day the children will follow in the steps of Mr. Liem Sioe Liong, support the development of their hometown and repay the kindness of the people there.

Photographs: Hong Ning from Liem Sioe Liong Memorial Hall

Videos: Coach Weng Yanze

Text: Zhou Yanqin and Wang Xiaqing

Editor: Chen Qian

Reviewed by: Chen Qian, Zhou Yanqin and Yang Mukai

Source: Fuqing Yuanzai Primary School