This Baihe River training session is the second one in the final preparation stage for the public welfare research team, focusing mainly on rock climbing and stream tracing skill training to achieve team bonding and operational rehearsal. On the afternoon of the 6th, after listening to professionals explain the use of climbing gear, techniques, and precautions, the team members took turns practicing on a natural rock face about 15 meters high, not far from the campsite. Zhou Xianghao, a member of the research team and the first female to climb, quickly reached the top of the rock face in a short time, earning praise from her teammates. After descending, Zhou told the others, “Climbing tests not only physical strength and coordination but also requires certain techniques and judgment. To some extent, it also demands self-confidence and strong willpower.” On the morning of the 7th, all members of the research team trekked through the Baihe River Canyon to practice stream tracing. Stream tracing mainly involved the team carrying loads and crossing waist-deep, fast-flowing river water, with the goal of fostering teamwork.
The 2013 Tibet Public Welfare Research Team of Renmin University of China is a student research group with extensive experience in public welfare, humanities research, and fieldwork. Team leader Zou Hao explained: “With the support of the Renmin University of China Youth League Committee, we will donate stationery and books to the SOS Children’s Village in Lhasa and assess its operations to understand the strengths and issues in the local orphan support model. In addition, we also have related public welfare and research activities planned in the Nyingchi area.”
Training is a crucial part of the preparation for this scientific expedition. Previously, the research team conducted loaded trekking across Baihua Mountain at an altitude of 2,050 meters, as well as at Jiufeng and Haituo Mountains. Cheng Bingqian, the deputy team leader in charge of training, stated: “The challenging outdoor conditions during training help build the team’s physical endurance, willpower, and courage. It also serves as practical drills for various sub-teams including accommodation, medical care, transportation, logistics, and photography, testing the team’s overall preparedness.”
According to team leader Zou Hao, with departure imminent, the team’s preparations are nearly complete. “After returning from the Baihe River training, the team members will be in their best condition to embark on the full expedition.”
This public welfare research activity is organized and operated by the Ziyoren Association, a student club at Renmin University. From 2006 to 2012, with the support of the Renmin University Youth League Committee, the Ziyoren Association successfully organized seven scientific expeditions during the summer in Menyuan, Qinghai; Yulin, Shaanxi; Dingri, Tibet; Tianshui, Gansu; Ali, Tibet; Taxkorgan, Xinjiang; and Yadong, Tibet. This year marks the eighth expedition. In addition, the mountaineering team of the Ziyoren Association at Renmin University of China will attempt to summit Karuoxiong II Peak, which stands at 6,302 meters above sea level in the Tibet Autonomous Region, this summer.