Taiwan
Educational, fun excursions in Taiwan
“Let’s recommit to work towards our common goal: A nation where all of us are winners, all of us have shelter, food and education,” Nelson Mandela
Aspen Taiwan has participated in Mandela Day since 2014. Their selected beneficiary has been the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF) and this worthy cause was adopted to echo Mandela's calling to educate children.
TFCF accommodates children from disadvantaged families, but it has limited resources which doesn't allow for the privilege of outdoor activities. As a consequence, the team from Aspen arranged educational ecology excursions for the students. These tours included visits to the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology (NMMST) in Keelung and the Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park in the Ruifang district.
The first part of the trip was to the NMMST, where the Museum guide provided a detailed introduction to marine science, technology, ecology, and culture. The Museum also has important exhibition ties to Taiwan’s history which was shared with the students.
After a light lunch, the group was entertained at the museum’s IMAX theater. The Ultimate Wave was screened in the theater that ensures a superior viewing experience using state-of-the-art 3D technology and high performance stereo. The children loved the opportunity of being at one with ocean life.
The Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park represent the glamor of Houtong's coal mining history. This visit included a trip in a mine train into the coal tunnel, gold panning and exposure to miner’s equipment. The group developed renewed appreciation for the hard work done by a coal miner and gratitude for their lifestyles.
Aspen's volunteers enjoyed spending time with the children and in turn learnt much from them about their circumstances, families and school life. The gesture of support, empathy and commitment to these students made a significant impact on them and endorsed the Mandela Day call to Take action, Inspire change. Make every day a Mandela Day.