Zhejiang University’s Student E Volunteer provides technology accessible and sustainable
For nearly 40 years, the Student E Volunteer Association of Zhejiang University has been providing free repair services for ZJUers. Over the past year, the association has repaired a total of 1,764 devices, boasting a success rate of over 90%. This number continues to grow each year, highlighting their impact and dedication to sustainable technology.
A unique team on campus
The repair site of the Student E Volunteer Association is in Room 204 of No.3 East Teaching Building on Zijingang Campus. Every day, members are on duty here to help repair various equipment for teachers and students of the university. They don’t just repair computers; they also fix USB drives, desk lamps, electric fans, and even electronic keyboards. If it’s repairable, they will give it their best shot.
The Electrical Appliance Maintenance Group of ZJU’s College of Electrical Engineering， predecessor of the association, was founded in 1984.
Now more than 100 members from various departments and majors across the university serve in the team. Surprisingly, most members are undergrads—some share an amateur interest in dismantling and assembling machines, while others joined the team after seeking help and gradually developed a passion for repair. To efficiently track repair progress, the members developed an online system, which records in detail the equipment and accessories brought in, the status of the repair, and the responsible volunteer.
Helping others is such a fulfilling experience! Every time I hand over a repaired device, I feel satisfied and truly believe that what we’re doing is making a difference.
JIN Zihui is the current president of the association. When she first joined the Student E Volunteer Association, a teacher brought an old desktop computer to her for help. ‘I spent a whole night repairing this machine with the then president and seniors of the association. The next day, when we handed the repaired computer back to the teacher, he sincerely thanked us.’ Recalling this incident, she felt happy and had a sense of accomplishment. ‘Helping others is such a fulfilling experience! Every time I hand over a repaired device, I feel satisfied and truly believe that what we’re doing is making a difference.’
Serve the larger community
In addition to their campus services, the association extends their outreach to the surrounding neighborhoods. Their community service initiatives have been ongoing for over a decade, benefiting residents in five districts and more than twenty communities in Hangzhou.
Beyond on-site repairs and consultations, the members are also committed to public education and awareness campaigns. They conduct safety workshops on electricity usage and assist elderly residents in learning how to navigate smartphones and other devices, bridging the digital divide and ensuring technology is accessible to all.
A retired teacher of ZJU shared her experience, recalling how her first smartphone remained untouched in a drawer because she didn’t know how to use it. ‘The students were very patient, teaching me step by step. Now, I can use a smartphone to go grocery shopping and make doctor’s appointments. I have learned so much from these volunteer students!’
Through their commitment to repairing and educating individuals about technology, the Student E Volunteer Association has fostered a more accessible and sustainable future. As they continue to make a difference, one device at a time, their legacy of service and their impact on the community will continue to grow.