Zimbabwean student McCleary Gondo is fully integrated into the local community in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province (COURTESY)

During the 19th Asian Games held in east China’s Hangzhou, McCleary Gondo, a 27-year-old Zimbabwean student living in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, caught people’s attention. Recognising the critical importance of communication at such a large-scale event, he used his language skills and intercultural awareness to train local volunteers in English. 

He travelled across the city to lead practical sessions tailored to the specific needs of the volunteers: welcoming foreign visitors, providing clear directions, and calmly handling unexpected situations. He also offered valuable insights into intercultural communication, promoting respectful and effective interactions with people from all over the world. 

His initiative, praised by local authorities, significantly contributed to the quality of the welcome received by foreign delegations. His warm and energetic personality even featured in the city’s official promotional video for the Games. 

Besides the Asian Games, he has also volunteered on the shores of the city’s scenic West Lake, in schools, and at elderly care facilities. McCleary has become an embodiment of a generation committed to intercultural dialogue and solidarity. 

A volunteer policeman 

In the famous tourist area of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, McCleary has done distinguished work as a volunteer policeman. While many people take advantage of public holidays to rest, he chooses to devote them to public service in the heart of a site that attracts millions of Chinese and foreign visitors every year. 

His work includes a number of key responsibilities, such as the distribution of fraud prevention brochures. In this multilingual environment, his fluency in Chinese and English is a valuable asset: he communicates with ease with tourists from all over the world, explaining to them - with patience and clarity - the different forms of scams and how to protect oneself from them. 

To attract the attention of passers-by, he sometimes plays the Zimbabwean drum - a living symbol of his country’s musical culture. This gesture, which is both unique and meaningful, not only raises awareness in a friendly way but also highlights the richness of African culture to an international audience. His benevolent attitude encourages exchanges, and many tourists thank him for the clarity and usefulness of his advice -testimonials that fuel his motivation. 

He also takes part in security patrols alongside local police officers and other volunteers. Together, they scour the shores of the lake, alert to the slightest sign of an incident or suspicious behaviour. In the event of conflict between visitors, disorientation, or an unusual situation, McCleary intervenes calmly. Thanks to his communication skills and intercultural sensitivity, he is often able to ease tensions and suggest appropriate solutions. 

McCleary Gondo participates in the filming of a promotional video for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, in 2023 (COURTESY) 

Dynamic integration 

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, McCleary grew up in an environment rich in cultural diversity and local traditions. It was at the encouragement of his father, who was convinced of China’s educational and economic potential, that he decided to study in the country. 

Admitted to the Zhejiang University of Science and Technology in Hangzhou, he chose to specialise in telecommunications engineering - a strategic field in a China undergoing rapid technological transformation. 

After he joined the university, the initial period was challenging, with a new education system, different culture, and a completely unfamiliar language. However, he developed a genuine passion for the Chinese language. This passion led him to pursue Chinese as a foreign language for his master’s degree - a pivotal decision that facilitated his integration into local society and strengthened his commitment to volunteering. 

On campus, he joined the Lei Feng Squad, a volunteer group inspired by Lei Feng, China’s iconic model of selflessness. He regularly takes part in clean-up and awareness campaigns. Working hand in hand with his Chinese companions, he is helping to build a cleaner, more caring environment, earning their esteem as well as their friendship. 

But his commitment goes beyond the walls of the university. McCleary is also forging close links with the local population. He devotes part of his free time to activities in preschools, where he introduces children to English, tells them stories from Zimbabwe, and plays with them. The children, fascinated by his tales of savannahs and iconic animals, look forward to his visits with palpable joy. 

His discreet yet attentive presence is particularly appreciated in centres for the elderly. He listens, shares, helps, and learns. These shared moments with the elderly provide him with an authentic immersion in Chinese culture and its core values - particularly respect for elders - which deeply resonates with him. 

McCleary Gondo is teaching English to community volunteers for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, in 2023 (COURTESY)   

A rewarding career 

From a foreign student newly arrived from Zimbabwe, McCleary has become a fully engaged member of the community, possessing strong language skills, a deep understanding of intercultural dynamics, and a remarkable capacity to adapt. 

Currently working on his master’s thesis, he plans to resume his volunteer work, focusing on enhancing safety and improving communication at West Lake. 

After graduation, he plans to return to Zimbabwe to teach Chinese to his fellow citizens. He has observed growing interest among Zimbabweans in Chinese companies operating in their country. He hopes to contribute to stronger ties between China and Zimbabwe. 

As he continues his journey, there is no doubt that McCleary will play a significant role in fostering intercultural dialogue and building a more harmonious future. 

As a representative of foreign volunteer police officers, McCleary Gondo delivers a speech at a ceremony to launch the first “international station” in the West Lake tourist area in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on 22 July 2024 (COURTESY)