A young college graduate has been making a difference in a remote town of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region by applying her engineering skills to develop innovative solutions for local farmers and resolving community issues.
Since 2003, China's "Go West" program has sent many university graduates to volunteer in education, health, agriculture and social management sectors in the country's western and less developed regions for a period of one to three years.
Zhang Jun is a prime example of the volunteer program. The young woman from north China's Shanxi Province graduated from Liuzhou University in 2024 with a degree in Electronic Information Engineering. After completing her studies, she chose to serve in Jishengtai Town in Inner Mongolia's Siziwang Banner through the program, eager to experience and contribute to a different part of China.
"I studied in Guangxi, which is at the southern end of our country. After graduation, I wanted to see the other end of our homeland, so I chose Inner Mongolia," said Zhang.
Siziwang Banner is known for its vast, open spaces and proximity to the Mongolian border. The region is sparsely populated, and Jishengtai Town is home to just 7,000 people, many of whom are elderly and left behind.
"When I first arrived, I found this place quite barren, and I wasn't used to it. I missed home a lot. Then I happened to participate in the Naadam Festival, and I felt the collision of diverse cultures. I thought to myself, I should be able to accomplish something in this blend of cultures," said Zhang.
Zhang's involvement with the Naadam Festival gave her a deeper understanding of the local culture, helping her integrate into the community. Since then, she has worked alongside local officials, going door-to-door, mediating disputes, and addressing various challenges faced by the locals.
One of Zhang's most notable contributions is the design of an automatic feeding device. During a visit to local herders, she learned that they often needed to leave for town unexpectedly, leaving their livestock unattended. Using her engineering background, Zhang created a system that automatically feeds the animals, ensuring they are well cared for even when their owners are away.
"This machine solves the problem for herders, allowing them to leave for several days without worrying about their lambs. For example, this feed bucket can supply food for about three days, feeding around 50 lambs," she said.
The success of this project has been a milestone for Zhang. It has given her a sense of fulfillment, knowing that her skills are making a real difference in the lives of the local farmers and herders. It has also deepened her connection to the community, as she continues to explore new solutions and expand her role.
" I feel like this land has embraced me, and I should give back to it," said the young woman.
Zhang's story highlights the transformative power of volunteer service. As she continues to serve in Jishengtai Town, her work stands as a testament to the young people across China who are dedicating their time and energy to building a better future in the most remote corners of the country.
Young volunteer contributes to grassroots governance in Inner Mongolia
