EN-US 
ZH 
To provide children with rare diseases who had long resided in care institutions and had limited opportunities to engage with the outside world a chance to experience nature, Yuan Ze University’s Global Cultural Initiative, a USR project, organized a special summer outing during the summer break. By bringing together resources from various sectors of society, the project accompanied children from Heng-An Nursing Home on a visit to Dongyanshan National Forest Recreation Area for an ecological exploration trip. Through the beauty of the forest and hands-on experiences in nature, the program aimed to create unforgettable and joyful summer memories for the children.
The event received enthusiastic support from various sectors during the planning stage. Jian-Hong Transportation Co., Ltd. generously sponsored a chartered bus through its chairman, Chien-Hung Lin, who also served as Chairman of the Taiwan Tourist Bus Quality Assurance Association. The transportation service provided safe and comfortable travel for the children, nurses, and social workers, helping fulfill the children’s long-awaited wish to go on an excursion. In addition, Sung-Jui Chuang, President of the Longshou Lions Club of Lions Clubs International, led club members in sponsoring meals for the day. Dongyanshan Forest Restaurant also warmly supported the event by providing complimentary ice cream, allowing the children to experience care and warmth during the summer season.
Yu-Lan Huang, Professor and Principal Investigator of the Global Cultural Initiative, stated that in addition to facing long-term health challenges, many of the children had lived in care institutions due to family difficulties or limited family support, resulting in relatively restricted life experiences. Although the project team regularly organized monthly art programs, direct experiences in nature remained irreplaceable learning opportunities. Dongyanshan offered abundant forest ecological resources, and under the guidance of interpretive instructors, the children observed more than ten species of insects, frogs, and plants throughout the journey. Their expressions of surprise and curiosity reflected a strong interest in the natural world, while the experience also provided valuable life learning opportunities.
Chien-Hung Lin, Chairman of Jian-Hong Transportation Co., Ltd., noted, “Companies should practice the spirit of ESG by giving back to society. It was our great honor to contribute our professional transportation services and work together with Yuan Ze University to accompany these children, who faced the challenges of life with courage, as well as their dedicated caregivers, and help them safely complete this dream-fulfilling journey.”
Sung-Jui Chuang, President of the Longshou Lions Club of Lions Clubs International, personally led club members in accompanying the children throughout the exploration trip. He noted that Yuan Ze University’s commitment to fulfilling University Social Responsibility closely aligned with Lions Clubs International’s humanitarian service mission. Both organizations were devoted to supporting disadvantaged groups, promoting health and well-being, and strengthening community support. Their joint participation in this meaningful activity demonstrated how academia, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and care institutions could collaborate to create social value.
Cheng-Han Lee, a student from the School of Nursing, Yuan Ze University, shared that he had visited Heng-An Nursing Home many times through the Global Cultural Initiative. While accompanying the children in learning activities, he had continuously reflected on how to help them explore the world in more diverse and engaging ways. He explained that the forest experience not only created lasting memories for the children but could also be integrated with the “Global Arts Castle” program in the future by combining nature observation with artistic creation to further enrich their learning experiences.
The activity also invited Chih-Hang Weng, Director of Counseling at Wenqing Elementary and Junior High School, along with two graduate students from National Taiwan Sport University, to join the volunteer team and help care for the children throughout the trip. Yuan Ze University’s Global Cultural Initiative continued to connect resources from schools, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the broader community to create more diverse learning opportunities and experiences, enabling disadvantaged children to step beyond institutional settings and explore a broader world through companionship and care.
