With support from the Ministry of Education’s University Social Responsibility (USR) Program, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) continues to move forward with its “Cultural Resilience and the Sustainable Economic Development of a Healthy Makatao Agricultural Industry” project. For the third summer, NPUST partnered with Tai’an Elementary School to host a local culture-focused educational program. By using a variety of hands-on activities, including a picture book story time and an introduction to world festivals, the program aimed to foster cultural resilience and local pride. It guided students to understand their own community’s culture while also gaining a global perspective.
The four-week summer camp, held from July 7th to August 1st, offered a rich curriculum, including “Essential Oil Soap Art,” “Little Woodworker,” “Ecological Printmaking,” “VR Field Exploration,” “Little Leather Carver,” “Makatao Language Board Games,” and “Taiwanese Ginger Lily Risotto and Cheese Balls.” The program seamlessly blended natural science, local cuisine, artistic crafts, and ethnic culture, allowing students to learn while playing and having fun with hands-on experiences.
A highlight of the program was the “Makatao Story Picture Book Reading” session, led by Han-Chang Fu from the Graduate Institute of Hakka Culture Industry. This session integrated introductions to festivals from around the world, helping children understand Makatao history, cultural memory, and spiritual significance. Through stories, images, and interactive discussions, it provided an engaging way for students to learn about their heritage. The immersive experience allowed students to learn about the wisdom and rituals of their local ethnic group while connecting them with a diversity of world cultures. By nurturing a sense of identity with their land, people, and culture, the program lays a foundation for the sustainable development of local culture and promotes the USR project’s objective of “Shaping Cultural Resilience”.
NPUST Administrative Vice President Wen-Ling Shih stated that her USR team has been collaborating with Tai’an Elementary School regularly over the past several summer and winter breaks. The camp activities have gradually developed a unique local character. She also noted that by combining cultural reading with an international perspective, the program helps children learn to cherish their cultural heritage and bravely face the world.
Kuang-Wen Lin, Principal of Tai’an Elementary School, expressed his gratitude to NPUST Administrative Vice President Wen-Ling Shih for leading the USR project. He said the rich educational content sparked widespread student interest and enriched their summer vacation. He added that the Makatao story picture book reading, in particular, resonated with the entire student body and faculty as it was integrated with the school’s core curriculum.
The summer camp showcased NPUST’s commitment to local education and social responsibility through its USR project. It also serves as a testament to the way Makatao culture is taking root and flourishing in the hearts of a new generation.
