Don’t forget to do charity while saving tourism, AVEC charity train helps rural school children travel to the Twin Cities

A group of 32 teachers and students from Jhengbin Elementary School in Taitung County, sponsored by the Association for Vocational Training and Innovative Development Education (AVEC), embarked on an outdoor educational journey exploring cities in Taoyuan and Kaohsiung from October 14 to 16. Ms. Shu-wei Hsu, the principal of Jhengbin Elementary School, expressed the hope that the children could step out of their tribal environment and experience the different facets of urban life and learning.

AVEC Chairman Wei-li Hsueh, who sponsored the trip, stated that children in remote areas have consistently been economically disadvantaged. Many of these children come from families where parents may have lower educational levels or face challenges in raising them across generations. Some families even struggle financially to afford computers and internet access, leading to a significant information gap with the outside world. As an educator, Hsueh pointed out that after the implementation of the 108th curriculum guidelines, there has been a visible contrast between resource-rich urban areas, where parents invest in summer camps and talent classes to achieve educational goals for their children, and resource-scarce rural areas. How to address the challenges faced by children in rural areas, especially considering the potential widening of the urban-rural gap with the implementation of the curriculum guidelines, remains a critical question. What measures can be taken to enhance the future competitiveness of these children from remote areas?

Therefore, during the "Promotion of Domestic Tourism 3.0: Budget Travel and Independent Travel Industry Exchange Meeting" held in Taipei in collaboration with the Tourism Bureau on September 11, it was announced that a public welfare train would be organized to help shorten the urban-rural gap for the 32 teachers and students from Jinping Elementary School in Taitung. Simultaneously, in response to the collaboration between Kaohsiung and Taoyuan on September 25 for dual-city tourism cooperation, the funding for the three-day-two-night trip for the 32 students and teachers was raised within a month. Despite facing challenges due to the overall economic downturn, the fundraising was successfully completed with the support of corporate members such as Dr. Wen-wei Feng's Dermatology Clinic, Director Lu Chung-hao of the Taoyuan City Chamber of Commerce, Taoyuan Tourism Bureau, Kaohsiung Han Lai Hotel, Taoyuan Sheraton Hotel, Kaohsiung Elite Rotary Club, and AVEC members. Chairman Wei-li Hsueh stated, "Children have the right to knowledge." AVEC hopes to provide rural students with an opportunity to experience an urban environment they have never encountered through this initiative.

Ms. Shu-wei Hsu, the principal of Jinping Elementary School in Haiduan Township, Taitung County, pointed out the significance of providing these children with an outdoor education experience, including staying at a five-star hotel. She emphasized that due to budget constraints, rural schools often struggle to plan multi-day inter-county or island-wide outdoor education programs. Even when a three-day-two-night itinerary is possible, limited funds often result in accommodations at budget hotels or youth activity centers. However, this year's outdoor education program for Jinping Elementary School is particularly special and joyful. The students not only have the opportunity to explore Taiwan but also stay at five-star hotels such as the Sheraton Hotel in Taoyuan and Han Lai Hotel in Kaohsiung.

Haiduan Township is merely a geographic label and should not define the educational value. Therefore, educators always hope to expose children to different educational experiences, allowing them to explore different urban landscapes and learning styles. This year, with the full support and sponsorship of AVEC, the 32 teachers and students embarked on a three-day-two-night learning journey from October 14 to 16. They experienced the magic of technological devices, participated in DIY egg tart making, visited literary museums, explored university botanical gardens, observed aircraft take-offs and landings up close, and stayed at five-star hotels. This enriching experience was made possible by AVEC's sponsorship and care, providing the children of Jinping with an unforgettable outdoor education experience.

Ms. Wen-chi Lin, Public Relations Manager of Kaohsiung Han Lai Hotel, expressed, "Welcome teachers and students from Jinping Elementary School in Taitung, bringing the fresh air of Taitung. We hope the children and teachers can have a comfortable and pleasant accommodation experience at Han Lai, experiencing the warmth of southern Taiwan and leaving behind beautiful memories."

Chua Jue-ru, president of the Kaohsiung Elite Rotary Club, said: "Thank you AVEC for initiating such a meaningful event. Children are the future masters of Taiwan. The Kaohsiung Elite Rotary Club is very happy to have the opportunity to participate in this event and looks forward to this group." The children gained a lot from this extracurricular teaching.