Novatek Foundation Advances Reading Education in Rural Communities, Partnering with Author to Guide Hualien Students in Self and Cultural Discovery
Promote Reading in Rural Areas
|
To continuously advance reading education in under-resourced rural areas, the Novatek Foundation has long focused on strengthening learning opportunities for students in eastern Taiwan. Recently, in collaboration with the SinSiang Inter Community Association, the Foundation accompanied upper elementary students at Guofu Elementary School in Hualien in a guided reading program centered on Meeting Mona Rudao, a youth coming-of-age novel by author Su-Hua Peng. An author visit was subsequently held on campus as part of the “Author on Campus” initiative, enabling face-to-face dialogue that deepened students’ engagement with reading and strengthened their sense of cultural identity.
On the day of the event, the school principal, teachers, and students warmly welcomed the author. Students prepared handmade boards for autograph signing, reflecting their enthusiasm for reading and their meaningful interaction with the writer in a lively and supportive atmosphere. Meeting Mona Rudao tells the story of a young Seediq individual raised in an urban environment who, through a symbolic cross‑time dialogue with anti‑colonial hero Mona Rudao, rediscovers Indigenous culture, courage, and dignity, and gradually builds a strong sense of self-identity. Written with sensitivity and warmth, the novel guides young readers to engage with significant chapters of Taiwan’s history and the spiritual heritage of Indigenous peoples, and has been widely recognized as recommended extracurricular reading in schools.
In sharing her creative journey, Su-Hua Peng explained that the inspiration for the protagonist stemmed from real-life observation. She encountered an Indigenous child in an urban school who appeared socially isolated—eager to participate yet hesitant to step forward. This experience sparked her determination to write on behalf of Indigenous children growing up in cities. Later, a chance encounter with an old twenty‑dollar coin featuring Mona Rudao’s portrait felt almost destined, prompting in-depth research into historical records and oral narratives. The result was a work that weaves together history, culture, and imagination while honoring the spiritual legacy of Indigenous ancestors.
The Novatek Foundation emphasized that reading is not only a tool for developing academic skills, but also a vital bridge for children to understand themselves and connect with their cultural roots. Looking ahead, the Foundation will continue to promote reading initiatives, author‑in‑school programs, and partnerships with local organizations, accompanying more rural students as they discover themselves through stories and move forward with confidence toward the future.
Reference:
|
  |
