NSD Graduate Student Ting Ma Teaches Children About Healthy Foods: Volunteer Service in Rural China A Valuable Experience for All….

Ting Ma, a graduate student in nutrition science and dietetics, volunteered with Dream Corp, a not-for-profit organization that strives to improve the environment for learning and personal development for children in China. Ma’s work took place in rural Zaoshi, China.

As part of their programming, Dream Corp. encourages its student instructors to conduct hands-on experiences that help the youngsters appreciate China’s great beauty and natural environment.

For Ma’s Zaoshi team, each member designed activities related to their own majors and interests, and modified them to a suitable level for the students. Ma conducted presentations about nutrition for young children, teaching them interesting facts about some common fruits, the benefits of vegetables, and special aspects of Hunan food culture, which is famous for its spicy food.

The in-class participation and after-class feedback showed students had a better understanding of what they need to eat and how to eat healthy. According to Ma, “this was a valuable experience in practicing what I learned from class and participating in community development.”