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Author: Max Tseng
Photo by: Vivian Lin. A group photo of everyone on the last day left the best memories
While most students in Taiwan spend school breaks recharging at home or hanging out with friends, FJU Grassroots Service Club dedicates itself to protecting rural children’s right to education. For years, the club has been committed to rural teaching in several countries in Taiwan, bringing happiness and inspiration to those who are the hope of the next generation. Months of meticulous planning go into each camp, as members enthusiastically design programs that combine fun and education to create memorable experiences.
“Since I met a lot of people in school who helped me, I want to pass down this love and return it,” explains Edward Chang, the former President of FJU Grassroots Service Club. “We want these children to have fun during the camp, and we aim to connect the children with us since this service is people-oriented.”
Rural communities in Taiwan often lack access to resources, extracurricular activities, and life-skills training; also, the shortage of teachers makes it difficult for students in these areas to broaden their horizons. The FJU Grassroots Service Club recognized the gap and decided to make it practical. The club organizes camps with themes that spark curiosity and creativity, focusing on teamwork, brainstorming, and interactive lessons, which may not be accessible in regular courses. The primary objective of these camps is to bridge the education gap by inspiring a love for learning and building self-confidence among children. Each camp is tailored to meet the specific needs of local children, and the club members will design various programs to engage them interactively. “Our camps are designed around a central theme, with activities such as acting and outdoor games built around it,” says Vivian Lin, a FJU Grassroots Service Club member. For instance, the summer camp theme this year was Crayon Shin-chan, which aimed to let children understand the origin of life, the age of dinosaurs, and the birth of human civilization. Games were also designed to encourage students to speak up and express themselves. These topics can let them explore the world of science and history, and inspire their love for learning.
The camp typically spans ten days, including six preparation days and four camp days. In the preparation stage, members will simulate the real situation to prevent emergencies. Moreover, they will review the whole process at night to determine which activity can be improved and often stay up until three in the morning. Members often revise plans multiple times to ensure activities are perfect for every student’s situation. After officially being on board and meeting all the students, the club members will start the tiring but meaningful journey from eight in the morning to four in the afternoon for four consecutive days. One particularly memorable activity was theatre time, where children learned to distinguish between right and wrong actions. “When seeing their happy faces, all the hard work paid off,” says Lin. “It gives me the sense of achievement that makes me believe my existence in this club.”
Photo by: Vivian Lin. The first meeting between Vivian and the child
Photo by: Vivian Lin. Playing a game to deepen the understanding of each other
For the club, the camps are about more than helping others—they are an opportunity to connect with the local community and personal growth. “Through these camps, I realized that my efforts can truly make a difference in the lives of others, and that’s where I discovered a genuine sense of fulfillment,” says Vivian Lin. There is always awkwardness between the kids and the members on the first day but the interaction on the last day won’t lie. “They hugged us, cried, and told us how much they’d miss us,” she says. “It was in those moments I understood the impact we had on them; it’s not just about teaching or playing games—it’s about showing them they are cared for.” When the club members returned to those schools the following year, students expressed how much they missed them. It was the time when they found out the connection between the club and the kids was inseparable.
Of course, holding camps is not child’s play, and there must be numerous challenges in the middle of the activities. It includes some members who were not good at acting at first, but Edward decided to take a proactive approach as a leader. “I just had a conversation with them and told them that it is okay to relax and open up more. Watching them grow is impressive.” On the other hand, there were issues with the students; for example, some kids turned out to be isolated from others when activities were carried out, and members had to take the first step by asking them to join. “If a kid was being left out, I would ask them to join no matter which squad he or she is,” recalls Vivian Lin.
Photo by: Vivian Lin. Teaching children about environmental protection through acting
As the FJU Grassroots Service Club continues its mission, the impact of their work grows. “We hope our service can impact various children and they can give back to society when they grow up,” says Edward. This can be recognized as a cycle of goodness, and there was a senior who participated in the camps due to the help when he was little, which demonstrated he did not indulge in empty talk. The club aims to keep the spirit of service alive in the years to come. “It is wonderful when a group of people work together towards the same goal, and we can create memories for the children in rural areas if everyone contributes a little,” says Vivian. As members return to campus, they reflect on the joyful faces, laughter, and activities, a testament to the positive changes they’ve made. In a meaningful way, the FJU Grassroots Service Club has helped break the boundaries of education, showing that learning and inspiration know no limit.
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