An increasing number of TKU student clubs have been involved on grass-root level of community work in recent years. For instance, Sunny Club went twice during last and this month to Jeou-fen, Shu-fen and Yun-hai Elementary Schools, teaching children about the danger of four highly addictive substances: cigarettes, drugs, alcohol and beetle nuts through various lively interactions. These schools were initially contacted by the Sunny Club members who found these remotely-located schools were in need of input from the “outside” world.

Not only these children benefited from the club’s presence, the club members also felt very fortunate to have such an opportunity to play with them and to savor organic vegetable from Yun Hai’s school garden. Due to the delicious vegetable, the club members are seriously considering going back again!

Sunny Club is also involved in some urban schools. They just organized a auction fair at the Chen-shin Kindergarten in Taipeia to raise money for World Vision. Yu Pei-hwa, a club member, who in facts speaks for every member, points out that the most rewarding aspect of working with children is to see their innocent face filled with bright smile and laughter.

The other club that is dedicated to community work is Ming-de Cultural Education Society, who worked with St. John’s and St. Mary’s Institute of technology as well as Aletheia University to organized an “Angel Happy Day Camp” at the Tamsui Tian-sheng Primary School on May 15th. At the camp, school kids were shown how to get on with one another, the meaning of gratitude and love to parents in a fun and relaxed environment. Everyone, adult and children alike, all had a good time on that day.

Although it was pouring with rain that day, the camp was well attended with great enthusiasm. Ming-de club members designed several experiential games that challenged kids to use their whole body, even their feet and mouth, to draw, to play games and interact with one another. Some kids saw the part of drawing with one’s foot and mouth the hardest but also the most rewarding experience. They came to realize how precious their hands are.

Organizers also put on a play to demonstrate the importance of family harmony by being respectful and honest to one’s parents. Kids were asked to watch the play first and then commented on the problems of the characters. Through this active involvement, children could understand deeply why it is essential to respect parents.

The camp was wrapped up by an activity in which children were urged to write a letter to their parents expressing their gratitude. While composing such a letter, kids would begin to think what their parents mean to them and saying thank you often is a good way of showing appreciation. (~ Ying-hsueh Hu )