City set to give help to eager volunteers

Updated:07/12/11 10:41:25 AM CST

More city volunteer programs are being set up as growing numbers of Shanghai residents are eager to help others.

Dec. 5, 2011 -- More city volunteer programs are being set up as growing numbers of Shanghai residents are eager to help others, authorities said.

According to the Shanghai Spiritual Civilization Office, the city has just over 1 million registered volunteers, but many can't find places due to a lack of programs.

The office added that volunteers also often encounter difficulties finding a program matching their skills and schedule.

Yesterday, the office said it has contacted non-governmental organizations, hoping they can develop more programs.

"NGOs can manage their own volunteers, which can encourage more people to take part," said Yan Jiawei, an official with the office.

Volunteers have expressed frustrations that their skills are not being utilized.

Zhu Nanchen, an English-major student, said she registered as a volunteer and hoped for work relevant to her degree, but found few opportunities except for huge events, such as the World Expo.

"Since the end of Expo, I haven't done any volunteering work," she said.

Source:Shanghai Daily