“A single act of kindness can purify the heart for eternity.
A hundred lamps shining together can light the way for a thousand miles.”
Victor Hugo once said,
“Where there is shadow, there is also light.”
Because there are still corners of the earth untouched by sunlight,
Their heroes step forward to shine their light.
To give a little strength, to shine a little light—
May each of them not only survive by the fire of life
But also live with a heart full of love and kindness.
ICSO Outstanding Volunteer
Personal Profile:
Wang Can
Major in Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, University of Cambridge
Affiliated Department: ICSO·CN (China Division)
Before going to the UK for his studies, Wang Can attended an international high school in Shenzhen. In his first year of high school, he joined the ICSO·CN (China Headquarters) and actively participated in public welfare activities supporting poverty alleviation and education. During the summer, he was responsible for filming and documenting the charity events as well as providing logistical support.
On his first field visit with the volunteer team to a mountainous region, they visited an elderly woman living alone. She was over seventy years old, her home was bare, and her children worked away from home, leaving no one to care for her. Seeing the volunteers who had come from afar, she was so moved that she was speechless. From local volunteers, the team learned that there were countless elderly people like her in the area.
They then visited a local primary school deep in the mountains. The environment was extremely poor—classrooms, dormitories, and kitchens were all small and dilapidated, with flies swarming in the kitchen, and the toilets located far away. To understand the children’s schooling conditions, the volunteers hiked over three hours. Wang Can’s feet were covered in blisters, but he never complained. As the youngest in the group, he always looked out for others. His curiosity led him to ask many questions, helping him better understand the significance of volunteer work. Through this experience and through conversations and learning, he met many like-minded friends. Upon returning, he reflected, “Now I understand the importance of cherishing what I have and being grateful for the good environment I live in.”
In later support initiatives such as “A Book, A Bond” and “A Box of Milk, A Kind Heart”, Wang Can, still a high school student, continued to use his strength to bring light to education in remote areas. He approached the plight of left-behind and dropout children, offering them care and companionship. He shared his knowledge and insights with primary school students in popular science classes, and taught a variety of subjects, including English, handicrafts, public speaking, art, and calligraphy.
No matter what subject he taught, the children were incredibly attentive. Over a couple of weeks, they developed a deep emotional connection through various forms of interaction. During this time, he listened to the stories of the children in the mountains and gained a profound understanding of their lives and experiences. In the end, he and his fellow volunteers brought in books, milk, and other supplies, hoping to offer a modest contribution to children lacking resources.
Over the past two years, Wang Can has participated in more than ten volunteer activities, including:
- “A Lesson, A Love”
- The “Chuying Student Aid” Program
- “A Box of Milk, A Kind Heart”
He has accumulated 353.4 hours of volunteer service, was awarded the title of ICSO Youth Three-Star Volunteer, and received the ICSO Honorary Volunteer Service Certificate.
He later included these experiences and honors in his application documents, which helped him successfully gain admission to the University of Cambridge.
After the volunteer activities, Wang Can reflected:
“Volunteering can be exhausting, but every smile and word of thanks made me feel the true value of giving. Participating in public service not only improved my organizational and communication skills, but more importantly, I learned how to play my role in a team and how to care for and help others. This experience will always be etched in my heart as a treasured memory in my life journey. I look forward to more opportunities like this in the future, to continue shining and spreading warmth!”