ESG News

Volunteer Reflection by Jen-Chieh Chih

This was my third time joining a volunteer activity organized by the Novatek Foundation to accompany visually impaired students on an outing. A small incident occurred at the beginning of the day. While guiding a young boy and trying to strike up a conversation to help him feel comfortable, I failed to notice uneven ground caused by recent tree planting. Although I quickly pulled him back to prevent him from hitting his head, he still twisted his ankle slightly and suffered a minor scrape.

After a teacher helped treat his injury, I stayed by his side to comfort him while he rested. I couldn't help but feel guilty and disappointed in myself. Fortunately, after taking some time to recover, he told me the pain had eased, and we were able to rejoin the group at a slower pace.

Our first stop was the historic Gongweixu Tunnel in Miaoli, a railway tunnel with more than a century of history. The tour guide, a retired Taiwan Railways engineer, shared fascinating insights into railway infrastructure and train design. Although the red-brick tunnel is no longer in service, the colorful LED lighting inside has transformed it into a bright and engaging attraction. However, the damp floor conditions required extra caution when guiding students through the tunnel safely.

The boy I accompanied carried a portable recorder everywhere he went. Whenever he heard a train approaching, he eagerly asked whether it was a Tze-Chiang Limited Express or a local commuter train. Excitedly, he explained that he wanted to record every train sound he encountered and preserve those memories through audio.

At lunchtime, we enjoyed a traditional Hakka meal. In addition to the boy I was accompanying, another student whom I had accompanied during last year's activity came over and sat beside me. Suddenly, I found myself looking after two students instead of one. Thankfully, both were thoughtful and cooperative, making the experience enjoyable rather than overwhelming. While helping them during the meal, I paid attention to removing fish bones, cutting larger portions into manageable sizes, and reminding them where their chopsticks and cups were placed. Both boys shared that they always look forward to Novatek's volunteer activities because they enjoy the delicious meals and warm companionship.

In the afternoon, we visited a local orchard and participated in a hands-on workshop making lemon enzyme drinks. The orchard owner generously treated everyone to plum wine and honey lemon juice and even invited us to bring home pomelos ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival. As the activity was drawing to a close, the boy turned to me and said, "Big brother, I will definitely remember you." Just as I felt deeply touched, he added, "Because you're the first person who ever made me fall down." His remark left me both embarrassed and laughing.

Throughout the day, I became even more aware of the many challenges visually impaired students face in everyday life. Simple tasks such as walking, eating, using the restroom, or getting on and off vehicles often require guidance and support. Even hearing a dog bark nearby could make them anxious, prompting them to ask whether the dog was safely restrained.

In reality, the assistance volunteers provide may only play a small role in their lives. The road ahead still holds many challenges for these students. Yet, if we can hold their hand and walk alongside them for even a short stretch of that journey, helping create meaningful memories and letting them know that many people in society care and are willing to lend a helping hand, then our efforts carry profound significance.

Through these moments of companionship, volunteers not only support the students but also gain a deeper appreciation for empathy, inclusion, and the importance of building a more accessible and caring society for all.