Guo Guoying, a 30-year-old woman engaged in education and training work in Anshun, Guizhou province, has been tirelessly working online for several days to launch a WeChat group called Turkish Rescue Translation. The group went live on Feb 7, and she also formed the Love Aid translation team to help Turkiye’s quake-relief efforts. She was motivated by the catastrophic earthquakes that hit Turkiye and caused heavy casualties and destruction. As many Chinese rescuers rushed to participate in the quake relief efforts, communication in an unfamiliar environment became a significant problem, hindering the progress of the rescue efforts.
To provide further assistance, Zhang Huiying, who works in Turkiye, joined the on-site rescue. After learning about Guo’s efforts, she added her WeChat to the volunteer group. They then cooperated to offer communication assistance and played an active role in the rescue efforts, acting as a communication bridge for Chinese rescue teams in Turkiye.
Zhang shared her belief that “seizing a minute may save a life.” The coordination and communication of the rescue teams, therefore, played a critical role in ensuring the success of the rescue operation. The Turkish Rescue Translation group established by Guo and the Love Aid translation team are examples of how technology can be used to assist in disaster response and relief efforts.
Guo Guoying shared the inspiration behind her idea of launching a WeChat group called Chinese Love Aid Translation. She stated that a friend on a rescue team requested her to introduce a translator live in Turkiye. Since she is engaged in language training and had connections with international students and foreign friends, she started keeping an eye on the matter.
Guo began by starting a group chat, and to her surprise, more than 100 volunteers joined the group within days. Among the volunteers, some were native Turks, while others were Chinese living in Turkiye. What brought these volunteers together was their ability to communicate fluently in Chinese, English, and Turkish. Guo named the group Chinese Love Aid Translation.
The formation of this group is an excellent example of how technology can be used to bring together individuals from different backgrounds and nationalities to collaborate for a common cause. The ability of these volunteers to communicate in multiple languages has been crucial in bridging the communication gap between the Chinese rescue teams and the local authorities in Turkiye.
Guo was marveled at the speed at which the group came together highlights the eagerness of individuals to lend a hand in times of crisis, regardless of where they are. The success of the Chinese Love Aid Translation group and other similar groups is a testament to the power of collective efforts and how technology can be utilized to support disaster relief efforts.
Guo’s role in the translation volunteer recruitment process, rescue team connection, and allocation of volunteers based on task priority has been of paramount importance. She ensures that the volunteers are well-equipped to handle their tasks by providing them with the necessary resources, including two phones and two tablets, to assist in group messaging and language assistance calls. Guo takes a methodical approach to volunteer recruitment by registering each volunteer’s name, nationality, current city, language, and available time to ensure that they are assigned tasks that align with their availability and language proficiency.
Zhang’s role comes into play once the translators have been confirmed. She coordinates the volunteers with other members of the stricken area to ensure that their efforts are well-aligned and efficient. Her role is to ensure that each volunteer knows their role and that their tasks are synchronized to achieve the rescue’s overall objectives. Zhang also provides support to the volunteers in their respective tasks, ensuring that they have everything they need to execute their duties effectively.
Guo’s recruitment process has been highly effective, with nearly 40 volunteers on the list having already participated in various rescue missions. This is a testament to the quality of the selection process and Guo’s commitment to recruiting volunteers who are not only skilled in their language abilities but also passionate about helping others in need. With her commitment, the rescue efforts have been more effective, and the volunteers’ contribution has been critical in ensuring the rescue teams’ success.
Guo and Zhang’s roles have been instrumental in the rescue mission’s success. From the recruitment of volunteers to their coordination and management, their efforts have been crucial in ensuring that the rescue teams have the necessary resources to succeed. The dedication of these volunteers has been commendable, and their contribution to the rescue efforts has been invaluable.
As of Feb 11, the Love Aid group has completed 16 task lists for various rescue teams, including the Blue Sky Rescue team, Shenzhen Public Welfare Rescue team, Qingdao Red Cross Society, and several media teams. With time being of the essence, the team has been working around the clock to ensure that they meet their objectives. The dedication of the team has been evident, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Despite the exhaustion that comes with working for extended periods, the team remains resolute in its mission. They have been working tirelessly, with some members barely getting any sleep in the first three days. The team’s leader hopes that their professional rescue team can become global, as more people work together to help Turkiye.
Zhang has also been involved in aid relief work in quake-hit areas of Turkiye. On Feb 9, Zhang traveled nearly 20 hours from northern Turkiye to Hatay, the worst-hit area. Despite the long journey, she wasted no time and rushed to the countryside with clothes, food, and other supplies for the victims. After an exhausting few days, she finally managed to get some rest.
According to Zhang, translation plays a crucial role in conveying detailed information, especially when communicating with local rescue teams and identifying the location of a trapped person in a quake. Without proper translation, it can be challenging to get the necessary information to the rescue teams on time. The team’s efforts in this regard have been instrumental in ensuring that the rescue missions are successful.
The efforts of these two women demonstrate that even individuals far from a disaster zone can make a valuable contribution by providing remote assistance to relief teams. With the rapid development of technology, it is now easier than ever for people to help remotely. This story serves as a reminder that anyone can play a crucial role in times of crisis, even if they are thousands of miles away. It is heartwarming to see how technology has enabled people to come together and provide vital support to those in need.
In conclusion, the Love Aid group has been doing an incredible job in providing aid relief work in the quake-hit areas of Turkiye. Their tireless efforts have been commendable, and their dedication to the mission has been inspiring. Despite the challenges that come with the work, the team remains resolute in their objectives, and their contribution to the rescue missions has been invaluable. The role of translation in the process cannot be overstated, and the team’s efforts in this regard have been critical in ensuring that the rescue missions are successful.