Taiwan Tech's USR program went abroad again, partnering with domestic universities’ teacher training students and first-time participants from New Taipei San-Chung Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School for a week-long life education journey in Manila and Cebu, Philippines. Through a series of experiential courses, community service, and cross-cultural exchanges, Taiwan Tech students not only gain valuable experience in the service process but also deeply feel the power of education and the importance of global responsibility through their interactions with children in Manila's slums, reflecting on their roles in a global context.

The Taiwan Tech USR program team distributed flyers and stickers in the slums to promote the Metropolitan International Children's Ministry Sunday School activities to attract children to participate.

The team also collaborated with the global humanitarian organization Metro World Child. They gained insights into how the organization helps children in slums break the cycle of poverty through education and faith. The team actively participated in Sunday School activities, singing, dancing, and listening to Bible stories with the children, as well as distributing supplies. Witnessing the smiles of children in such difficult conditions profoundly impacted the students, highlighting that education and aid are not just about material improvements but also about providing psychological support.

The team was deeply shocked by the poor living conditions in the slums, which were adjacent to a mountain of garbage.

Many homes in the Manila slums are old and crowded apartments, with some constructed from makeshift materials like metal sheets, wood, or canvas. More than half of the families live in spaces smaller than two square feet of living space and are located next to a garbage dump. These living conditions had a profound impact on the team. Taiwan Tech student Han Zheng remarked, “Although these children do not have the material conditions we have, they still shine with the brilliance and smiles of life. This journey has made me reassess my own life and learn to appreciate the stability and abundance in Taiwan”.

The innocent smiles of the children in the slums deepened the team's appreciation for cherishing and being grateful.

This journey also helped the teacher trainees understand that education extends beyond classroom knowledge; it encompasses spiritual inspiration and social responsibility. Professor Cathy Weng, head of the Taiwan Tech USR program, stated that international internships and visits not only enhance students' global perspectives but also allow them to experience the realities of different social strata. “Being open to completely different people and experiences ignites a desire for change, making them less indifferent to their surroundings and helping them discover their own value”.

Regarding the inclusion of vocational high school students in the program for the first time, Professor Weng described it as a “legacy of love”, where professors guide university students, who then mentor high school students, fostering mutual growth. She emphasized that while life education is not a required course for vocational schools, all young people should be exposed to it. She is grateful for the opportunity for students to learn in real-life contexts, deeply feeling love and gratitude, while also reflecting on themselves.

The Taiwan Tech USR program team assisted Metro World Child in organizing Sunday School activities.

Students from New Taipei San-Chung Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School interacted with the children through games like rock-paper-scissors.

A student from New Taipei San-Chung Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School Ruo-Qing Lu shared, “On the surface, this journey seemed like we were helping the local children, but in reality, they helped us more. Their selfless hugs and sincere smiles healed us and they spread their own lives, showing us what it means to cherish life”.

Taiwan Tech plans to further deepen its USR program’s international collaboration, promoting diverse course designs and practical activities. This will enable participating teacher trainees to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of global society through on-site visits and apply the principles of sustainable development in their future educational work. The university will also continue to promote the “Big Hands and Little Hands” initiative, providing more Taiwanese vocational students with opportunities for international service learning, thereby broadening their global perspectives and cultivating young talent with a sense of international awareness and social responsibility”.

The Taiwan Tech USR program team partnered with New Taipei San-Chung Commercial and Industrial Vocational High School students for the first time, broadening their global perspectives and cultivating young talent with international awareness and social responsibility.