English 
正體中文 
From August 2 to 8, 2025, a volunteer team from Yuan Ze University’s Asia International Humanitarian Aid Program traveled to the Bajau islands in Sabah, Malaysia.
They accompanied local children in creating artworks with paint and clay, turning familiar scenes from daily life into tangible expressions. From stilt houses to small boats, from the sun to smiling faces, their works vividly reflected their everyday experiences. These creations were brought back to Taiwan for charity sales, with the proceeds converted into rice and sent back to each household on the islands, forming a cycle of continued care.
The Bajau people, often called the “Sea Nomads,” had lived for generations on boats and depended on the sea for survival. However, without recognized national identities, they had long been excluded from access to education and healthcare. Through art-based companionship, the volunteers provided the children with a channel to express themselves and hoped to draw more attention to this marginalized community.
During the activities, the volunteer team held creative sessions with the children on the beach. Some painted images of stilt houses over the sea, while others molded clay into the small boats they saw every day. These were representations of their familiar world and the most direct way of expression. “Although they did not have official identification, through colors and smiles they told us the same longing—to be understood and respected,” one volunteer shared.
In addition to artistic interactions, the team personally delivered rice to each household, ensuring that the aid was not merely a temporary activity but extended into practical support for daily living.
