ESG News

Volunteer: Yu-Ling Chen

The June volunteer activity for visually impaired students was held at Jiufen Lake (Jiugonghu) in Xinpu. Upon arrival by chartered bus, Novatek volunteers accompanied the children in hands-on cultural experiences, including traditional Hakka lei cha (pounded tea) preparation and mochi pounding. I was paired with an energetic boy who had a great appetite. During the initial briefing by the instructor, he found it hard to sit still, frequently snacking, playing with his water bottle, and eagerly asking when he could eat the mochi. Once he was full and satisfied, he excitedly wanted to explore the surroundings, particularly the vehicles nearby. Perhaps due to the rarity of such outings, everything around him sparked his curiosity. Throughout the activity, I stayed close to accompany and support him. Although it was quite busy at times, the experience was truly enjoyable.

At lunchtime, the foundation arranged a hearty braised chicken meal. The boy’s appetite returned as soon as he saw the delicious spread, and I helped serve him so he could fully enjoy the meal. In the afternoon, an ecological tour provided detailed insights into the natural environment and biodiversity of Jiugonghu. By then, having “recharged,” he became even more lively, pulling me into multiple rounds of hide-and-seek, creating a joyful and engaging atmosphere.The activity concluded with a hands-on aiyu jelly-making session. The boy happily enjoyed the dessert he had made himself, bringing the day to a perfect close.

Through this volunteer experience, I gained a deeper understanding that visually impaired children are just as lively and curious as their peers. With patient companionship and thoughtful guidance, they can actively participate in diverse experiential activities and fully enjoy the process, despite physical limitations. What was especially inspiring was seeing many of the children consistently participating in this series of volunteer programs, demonstrating their enthusiasm for engagement and exploration of the world around them.