ESG News

Volunteer/Liu Ming-Ying (MY)

I would like to thank the Novatek Foundation for their effort in arranging this event. The pleasant autumn weather was just perfect, and the short trip from Hsinchu to Taoyuan was ideal for the children. During the trip, the children were so excited they couldn’t stop themselves from asking when we would get there. The Simbalion Art Studio, surrounded by trees, is filled with an aesthetic and artistic atmosphere. The morning activities consisted of two hands-on classes, and a fun guided tour with quizzes and prizes. In the end, the children had the opportunity to unleash their imaginations in a spacious area for freehand drawing. The hands-on classes allowed both us volunteers and the children to make gradient-colored markers and creative monster-themed tote bags. That's right, we volunteers got our own materials. But watching the children create such imaginative works with their innocence left me in awe. The hands-on class and guided tour brought me closer to the children. Curious children dragged me in all directions, and struck playful poses with their hands-on creations. On the way to the restaurant, one child and I exchanged markers, and she decorated my bag with her stickers. This place truly is a great destination for enhancing bonds between adults and children through shared experiences!

After the meal, we headed to the Taoyuan Disaster Education Center. There, we had a guided tour that focused on fire and earthquake preparedness. After the tour, we got to do different activities inside the center, until the day's final event: making balloon sculptures. All the children got a long balloon, and the instructor showed everyone how to make a balloon sword. During this activity, I was even more impressed by the kid I was with. She volunteered to sit in the front row closest to the instructor and, as a result, received the first prize for answering a question correctly. However, as the event concluded, I watched in puzzlement as she walked towards the stage. Surprisingly, she wanted to return the only two cartoon-shaped balloon sculptures in the room to the instructor. In the end, she generously gave the balloons to other children from the nurture home. On the bus ride back, she didn't speak much. She seemed tired but managed to stay awake, quietly decorating her pens with stickers I had colored. Later on, she gave me her souvenirs, stickers, and collection cards. She is a child who loves to share.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive”, and truly, I am on the receiving end. Parting was bittersweet yet filled with contentment. I hope this child will grow up safe, healthy, and happy. I’m confident she will always bring love and warmth to those around her. Today, I didn't feel like a volunteer; I felt more like a warm-hearted father.