Tainan Municipal Dongshan Elementary School 

Introduction 

Tainan Municipal Dongshan Elementary School, founded in September 1900, has a rich 119-year history. Located in the rural Dongshan District of Tainan, the school faces challenges due to limited resources, a declining population, and shrinking class sizes. Currently, the school has 272 students across 12 classes, with a staff of 44. A third of the students come from immigrant families, creating a vibrant and diverse learning environment.

Many parents are engaged in farming or labor, and with high rates of single-parent and grandparent-led households, students often lack meaningful activities after school and during holidays. To address this, the school established a Taiko drumming club in 2017, supported by the Chen Cang-Jing Foundation. Under the guidance of professional instructor Mr. Wang, the club offers free lessons to disadvantaged students, helping them gain confidence, broaden their horizons, and develop a global perspective.

Building on the success of the Taiko club, the school formed a Taiko team this year, providing ongoing training and holiday programs to ensure students continue learning and progressing. The principal and teachers actively seek performance opportunities, such as traditional arts competitions, school exhibitions, and community events, giving students a platform to showcase their talents. These experiences not only help students develop a strong sense of self-worth but also lay the foundation for their future, empowering them to pursue diverse learning paths and stay away from negative influences. Through these efforts, the school nurtures not just skills but the limitless potential within each child, guiding them toward a brighter future.