Spreading the spirit of volunteerism worldwide

I have been passionate about public welfare since childhood, but I never imagined that a Chinese figure named Lei Feng would become an integral part of my life — my guiding star and the inspiration behind a global movement.

In 2018, I came to China for the first time to study at Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics (JUFE) and actively participated in the university's public welfare activities.

During these events, local people often called me "Yang Lei Feng", which I later learned means "foreign Lei Feng".

Curious, I looked him up online and discovered a young soldier known for his selflessness and dedication to helping others. The more I read, the more I saw how his values aligned with the principles I aspired to uphold.

Growing up in Bangladesh, I was acutely aware of the challenges facing my community and my country — poverty, inequality, and limited access to education and healthcare were stark realities that I witnessed firsthand. These experiences ignited my determination to contribute to positive change and alleviate the suffering of others.

Inspired by Lei Feng's spirit, I established the Lei Feng International Volunteer Association on March 5, 2021 — Lei Feng Day — alongside young people from different countries at JUFE.

Our mission is to support children with special needs, assist the elderly, promote environmental awareness, empower through education, and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Through these efforts, we continue to keep Lei Feng's spirit alive in a modern, global context.

Wanting to know more about this young man, I traveled in 2023 to Liaoning province, the birthplace of Lei Feng's spirit. I visited the Lei Feng Memorial Hall in Fushun, the city where he spent much of his life. The exhibits — his photographs, personal belongings, and diary entries — offered a glimpse into his deep commitment to helping others.

One of his quotes particularly struck me: "Human life is finite, but service to the people is infinite. I will devote my finite life to the infinite cause of serving the people."

In a world often focused on individual success, Lei Feng's philosophy of selflessness and community service felt more relevant than ever. His life was not about grand gestures but rather a series of small acts of kindness that, when multiplied, can create a better world for all.

Returning from the trip, on Lei Feng Day in 2023, I took a bold step to spread his legacy beyond China by launching the global "Learn from Lei Feng" initiative. We celebrated the day in five countries — Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Algeria, and China — through discussions on his biography, charity programs, and community service activities.

What began as a vision to promote his values internationally has since grown into a global movement, now spanning 15 countries. Our efforts not only strengthen cross-cultural bonds but also contribute to building a more compassionate and service-oriented world.

Last month, I joined Sanming University in Fujian province as a senior lecturer and researcher at the School of Overseas Education (School of Foreign Languages).Eager to carry forward Lei Feng's legacy, I proposed establishing the Lei Feng International Volunteer Team at the university.

On March 5, the team was officially launched, bringing together 36 Chinese and international teachers and students from 10 countries, including Bangladesh, Mali, Nigeria, Russia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan.

For me, this initiative represents a full-circle moment. From discovering Lei Feng's story online to now inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps, I am reminded of how one person's story can spark a movement.

Lei Feng may have lived only 22 years, but his spirit continues to shine brightly, illuminating the path for those who come after him.

Through initiatives like the Lei Feng International Volunteer Association and Lei Feng International Volunteer Team, we make sure that his legacy lives on, inspiring people across the globe to be the change they wish to see.

Written by Mohammad Saiyedul Islam, PhD, a senior lecturer and researcher at the School of Overseas Education at Sanming University in Fujian, and an adjunct fellow at the ASEAN — China Research Centre at the University of Indonesia.