ESG News

Tsu-Hsin Children’s Home Social Worker: Chen Yun-Chun

“Novatek” and “Tsu-Hsin” Join Hands to Promote Youth Career Exploration Activities

The relationship with Novatek Microelectronics Corp began before Tsu-Hsin Youth Home was established in 2016. At that time, holding to the spirit of SDGs sustainable development and social contribution, the company donated hardware equipment to the home as a show of support. This marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration. The "Novatek Foundation" was established in 2010, initially serving athletes and young volunteers, and gradually expanding to include youth in placement institutions. The foundation aims to accompany youth in their career explorations, helping them build their own futures. Therefore, the cooperation with the home is not just about resource donations but also about leading youth to see various career aspects through vocational experiences, which is truly admirable.

In 2018, the Novatek Foundation and Tsu-Hsin Children’s Home officially launched the "Novatek vs. Tsu-Hsin: Youth Career Exploration Activities." Held biannually, the foundation identifies professions in Taiwan that are "professionally developed and industry-leading," plans itineraries, and arranges for the youth to engage in a full day of career exploration and experiential exchange. The objective is to provide the youth with insights and experiences regarding future academic choices and self-reliant employment directions. Additionally, during each activity, the foundation arranges for company employees to volunteer and accompany the youth, enhancing their interpersonal skills and building a social support system, thereby adding value to the career exploration activities.

Exploring Careers, Enriching Life Experiences

From 2018 to 2023, a total of 12 career exploration activities have been held. Even during the pandemic, the home’s liaison and the foundation's CEO continued discussions on how to proceed without interruption. Activities were postponed, attendance limited, and safety plans implemented following the Central Epidemic Command Center's policies. The key to the stable, long-term cooperation lies not only in the consistency of both parties' activity leaders but also in the mutual adjustments and consensus reached through each activity (including transportation arrangements, career field arrangements, and volunteer arrangements).

Over the five years, the career exploration activities have become events that the youth eagerly anticipate. Each activity sees the youth full of curiosity and excitement, often asking about the new professions they will learn about and the places they will visit. Besides Taichung, they have visited Changhua, New Taipei, Hsinchu, and Miaoli.

In November 2019, they visited the Shalun Exploration Education Park in Shigang District, Taichung City, learning about the Shalun Social Enterprise and participating in knot-tying and forest adventure experiences. This activity emphasized "teamwork and safety, recognizing that everyone is an indispensable role," and "learning from mistakes and taking responsibility for one's and others' lives." Through self-assurance, the youth learned responsibility and self-breakthrough. One girl vividly recalled her experience, saying, "I bravely stood up during the activity but regretted it immediately. My goal was to overcome challenges with my partner, but we acted separately without discussion. Although my legs trembled with fear, I completed each step with growing confidence. The experience felt like life's journey; once you step on it, there's no turning back. You can choose an easy or difficult path, but since it's your decision, you must be responsible, just like life."

In December 2020, they visited the Natural Valley Environmental Trust Base in Hsinchu County to learn about the profession of "arborist" and experience their work. A high school student studying horticulture became very interested in arboriculture and later joined an arboriculture club in college, even registering for a national C-level arborist certification course. He continues to work hard, hoping to obtain the certification to expand his career options.

In December 2021, they explored "He Nai Chuan National Soybean Products" and "Gan Le Cultural and Creative" in Sanxia Old Street, New Taipei City, learning about salt brine tofu production and the old street's culture. This activity location was the hometown of one of the home's youth. Participating in the activity helped him recall beautiful memories and gather energy for the future.

In the past two years, seeing the influence of "traditional industries, media management, fitness, and technology," the foundation arranged a "Traditional Craft - Miaoli Rush Grass Culture Experience" in September 2022. The youth experienced traditional industries' charm through hands-on crafts and learned self-marketing by making short videos with smartphones. In November 2022, they visited a fitness center to understand the fitness industry's challenges and how to maintain a brand image to create more business opportunities. They also made and operated drones, gaining new perspectives from high altitudes.

In April this year, the youth visited a pet grooming salon in Zhubei, Hsinchu County, learning about pet care professions, job types, certification exams, and salary structures. They experienced grooming dogs, with one youth humorously sharing, "I found that dogs look much younger after grooming!" "The bathing process for pets is so complex and requires professional skills." The instructor shared key mindsets for entering this field: maintaining "patience, love, and childlike heart," and adapting to noisy animal sounds. The youth, along with the Novatek team, made realistic wool felt dogs, focusing and actively practicing grooming skills. Through experiential education and hands-on practice, they gained a deeper understanding of the pet care and grooming industry, marveling at the hidden details in seemingly simple tasks.

Cultivating Future Leaders Locally

Through long-term stable cooperation with the Novatek Foundation, the youth have been exposed to various industry developments and trends, enhancing their opportunities for future and career exploration. With societal changes and technological advancements, these experiences give the youth the vision and spirit of learning and curiosity, fostering diverse development and innovative breakthrough capabilities.

Where will we go next? After activity announcements, the youth eagerly ask their mentors, who respond, "We trust the Novatek Foundation's arrangements, so stay tuned!" The youth echo, "Yes! Each activity is full of surprises, changing my perspective and thinking." Thanks to the Novatek Foundation's continued efforts over the past five years, with an innovative perspective and a "learning by doing" spirit, they have accompanied Tsu-Hsin youth in exploring every step of their careers and future.

Reference Source: Tsu-Hsin Newsletter, Issue 16