Peggy Weng/Shanghai Daily news

Zhuang Rongyi, a China-born French woman living in Chengqiao Community, Changning District, looks at her role as a cultural matchmaker.
The warm-hearted woman plays an active part in the communication between Chinese and Western culture by teaching mandarin.
Zhuang married a French man 10 years ago and had two daughters. She wasn't interested in a life as a housewife, however.
She thought her potential should not be limited and one should take on a responsibility to help society.
Knowing that there is a strong desire to learn about Chinese culture among foreign residents, Zhuang decided to teach foreigners Chinese and acquired a certification in teaching Chinese as a second language.
"There aren't words to describe the sense of joy I experienced when I engaged myself in teaching," said Zhuang, smiling.
During the past seven years, she had taught more than 100 students from 15 countries, including Britain, France, South Korea, Denmark and Indonesia.
One of her favorite students is a 56-year-old man named Peter who couldn't speak a word of Chinese seven years ago.
After just 10 months of learning, he was able to make a speech in Chinese, said Zhuang, whose eyes light up with pleasure when she talks about her most outstanding student. What's more, he went to Shenzhen city alone to practice communicating with local people.
Zhuang say she enjoys spending time with foreign friends who share stories and feelings with her. Whenever trouble occurred, she would tirelessly help them.
"Culture conflicts do exist, however, communication and understanding really helps a lot," she said.
She plays a vigorous role in linking foreign residents with community activities.
For the past three years, she has participated in countless activities along with her foreign friends, such as the charity fund collection program hosted during the Spring Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival, and programs conducted by the Shanghai Television Station and the Shanghai Oriental Television Station.
She is like a bridge between local people and expats.
Zhuang says she has helped 65 expats find ayis in Changning District and encouraged the domestic helpers to be more confident.
"They should feel very proud because they are paid for their work. Every kind of job should be treated equally," she said.