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Today, almost 2000 students from kindergarten to high school graduation are speaking Mandarin and learning to write Chinese in a unique and comprehensive program taught during regular school hours. The program is offered at 5 elementary schools, 4 junior high schools, and 3 senior high schools.

By Ashley Chung

In the summer of 2009, 18 Sichuan Chengdu youths came to visit Edmonton for 9 days. I volunteered to be one of the buddies and I was scheduled to accompany them for 3 days. Throughout the 3 days, my friendship with the Chengdu youths grew and grew; especially with Fu Ailing, Fu Kaining, Liu Yu, and Chang Xinyi.

When the Chengdu youths arrived in Edmonton, there was a welcoming dinner. It was nerve wracking as I reluctantly made my way to sit amongst them. I was thinking of so many different things at once! Would they like me? Was my Chinese good enough? Would they be mean? It turned out that they were all very nice and friendly, and really funny too! I thought they were exhausted from their flight though!

Throughout the 3 days that I volunteered, my buddies and I had explored the Fringe Festival and the Strathcona Farmers' Market, and pondered the Devonian Garden. We dined at MacDonald's for lunch and the Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner. We also spent some time shopping! My buddies and I received a free toy from this shop owner just across from the Dollarama! We also had a chance to relax at the Hawrelak Park where all of us ran around, played ball, blew bubbles, and had a barbeque.

When the Chengdu youths had to leave, everyone was sad and tears welled up in our eyes. In just 3 days, my friendship with the Chengdu youths had already become so strong! It was terribly lonely when they left but I still communicate with them through letters and phone calls.

If the City and ECBEA (Edmonton Chinese Bilingual Education Association) can invite the other 18 Chengdu youths to come next year, I would recommend anyone who reads this to volunteer. I guarantee that it will be an unforgettable experience!

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