The first "Language Messengers Foreign Language Speech Contest" officially kicked off in Huacheng International Neighborhood, Huadu district in Guangzhou on April 20. Designed to build a bridge with the world through languages, the contest aimed to make the voice of young foreign language volunteers better heard by a wider audience.
The contest evaluated both language proficiency and personal narratives. Contestants shared experiences under themes such as "My Story of Foreign Language Volunteer Service" and "Warm Moments in Cross-Cultural Communication." From assisting international visitors to facilitating communication at major events, their stories vividly showcased the youthful energy and dedication found in foreign language volunteer services.
"We hope contestants express their real feelings, not just scripts," said the organizer. The multilingual contest reflects the inclusiveness of Guangzhou as an international metropolis and the global vision of its young volunteers. In the preliminary round, contestants submitted videos for online selection, and 14 were shortlisted for the offline final. After the contest, outstanding speakers will be appointed as full-time commentators for the Huacheng Subdistrict Foreign Language Volunteer Service Team. For these young volunteers, participating in the contest can become a new starting point to play a part in the city's international development.
This speech contest marked a brand-building and professional step forward for the "Language Messengers" foreign language volunteer team. As the team leader put it, the goal is not just to give young volunteers a stage to showcase their talents and hone their skills, but also to identify and cultivate a group of volunteers who can tell local stories in foreign languages. By aligning personal growth with the city's internationalization, the "Language Messengers" will become the vibrant soft power for Huacheng Subdistrict and Guangzhou, sharing the city's warmth and friendliness with the world.
Huacheng Subdistrict Foreign Language Volunteer Service Team is a key highlight of the Huacheng International Neighborhood. Its members come from diverse backgrounds—lawyers, foreign teachers, university students, and public servants—and have provided over 3,000 services to foreign residents, including multilingual policy briefings, professional legal consultations and dispute mediation.
Source | Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office
