In the last of our special series The New Generation, we look at how more and more of China's younger people are taking part in charity work. Our China Correspondent Yao Chin met up with some of those stepping forward as volunteers.

Joy. Fanfan was not even able to communicate four years ago, let alone have much reason to be happy. He has cerebral palsy. But because of the charitable efforts of many, his walking has improved. Before, he had to be carried everywhere. What he's taking here isn't a ride, but his therapy, at a charity set up by a Texan lady on the outskirts of Beijing.

An example of how far charity in China has come since Former Senior Leader Deng Xiaoping donned his cowboy hat and riding boots nearly four decades ago.

DR PRISCILLA LIGHTSEY FOUNDER, HOPE THERAPY BEIJING "The opening up of China has enabled charities and non profits and NGOs like mine to grow and expand. Once this has been happening, we've been able to have more volunteers come and participate. I think, now, that people have begun to understand the value of volunteering. And on top of that, the volunteers are committed, they are responsible, they want to help the children, they want to learn about horses, they want to help the community. It's just been phenomenal."

Charities such as this one could not exist without volunteers. And within the ranks of those stepping forward to help others are more of China's new generation, who see this as a lifestyle choice. Like Zhou Chunxia, who has been a volunteer for the past five years.

ZHOU CHUNXIA VOLUNTEER, HOPE THERAPY BEIJING "I do feel what I gain here is much more than what I give. I feel really happy to be with the kids and the other volunteers. It's a really good relaxation to be here. In our life, we also meet a lot of problems and big pressure from the work, so actually, I don't think I donate one day a week because it's a problem. It's actually I expect to be here."

The United Nations Development Programme has been operating with more than 250 volunteers in China since the early eighties. Reflecting the change in attitudes towards charitable work, it now has around 200 Chinese volunteers assisting with overseas development projects. Its Country Director in China told me why she felt more youngsters here want to play their part.

AGI VERES COUNTRY DIRECTOR, UNDP CHINA "In the past, it's about helping the communities which is very important, and your surroundings, giving back to society. What I see now is young people are interested in systematically contributing to development issues, to society. Where they want to be part of a process. They want their voice to be heard. And they are willing to contribute their ideas, the engagement and their enthusiasm. And they are willing to contribute their work on very specific issues of their interest."

Every Tuesday afternoon, university students come to this primary school to teach, and to share their interests with the children. The number of undergrads volunteering at this school has doubled over this decade.

XIAO XINMEI VOLUNTEER "Before I went to University, I dreamed to become a volunteer. Because I do the volunteering, I feel excited. I feel my heart be filled by love. I think this is a very valuable experience in my study life."

WANG XINLEI VOLUNTEER "Many people want to sleep. Because they are busy in their studies. When they are free they want to sleep or play computer games. I told them to come, come with me. Let's go to volunteer, let's do some extra work. And some of my friends did listen to me. They come with me."

One of the teachers told me how the volunteers are teaching the children so much more than speaking better English.

SHEN HAIJIAN TEACHER, BEIJING XING HE SCHOOL "Our children say that they're not just learning school work from these university students, but that they also want to take part in such voluntary activities when they grow up. I think voluntary activities for children help improve overall learning, and also make a certain impact on their outlook on life and their values."

And if you're looking for how big an impact China's young volunteers have made on the quality of lives, just ask Fanfan. His horse riding therapy is one thing that he looks forward to, regardless of his five hour round trip on public buses to get there. All for one hour, twice a week, when so many come together, to help make this boy smile.

YAO CHIN BEIJING "Whilst more and more of the younger generation are volunteering to make a difference across China, to one little guy, they've already changed the world." 

"Fanfan, there are so many volunteers who are here to support you. Would you like to thank them?" "Oh! He said thank you"

Yao Chin, CGTN, Beijing.