The Alliance Cultural Foundation:
Welcoming the New Year with the Annual Team Building Workshop

ACF organized this year’s annual team building and consensus workshop from January 31st to February 2nd, focusing on themes such as "Sustainable Development in Huatung," "Diverse Talent Cultivation," "Education Outreach," "Vision and Operation of the Paul Chiang Art Center," and "Brand Marketing."

Chair Stanley Yen shared with the team, expressing his enduring belief in Taiwan's positive future. Over a decade ago, his book, translated as, “The Future I See" (“我所看見的未來”) continues to be relevant today, advocating for sustainable tourism in Huatung by integrating the natural environment, indigenous culture, cuisine, art, and other enriching elements. He mentioned the leadership approach of Chinese diplomat and essayist, Hu Shih, who states, "A good leader should embody humility, recognizing their own limitations, valuing the collective wisdom and abilities of the people, and harmonizing their actions with the will of the people." Chair Yen attributed his success not to his personal abilities but to the support of professionals and kind-hearted individuals from various fields.

CEO Angela Tsai expressed her expectations for the team to gradually expand its influence in 2024. She emphasized on utilizing AI tools to enhance efficiency, strengthen project effectiveness tracking, and collect data for informed decision-making. Facebook.

Junyi School of Innovation:
Leave No Trace in the Forest – Middle School Outdoor Exploration Education

Junyi middle school’s Outdoor Education curriculum incorporates stages of activities such as cycling, forest education, and marine education, allowing students to acquire fundamental knowledge and skills related to mountains and seas. Last semester, the ninth-grade students prepared for a two-day and one-night practical course through various activities, including learning about United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), simulations of a public hearing on hunting management regulations, hunter literature, couplet poetry creation, and photography techniques.

Before entering the mountains, students were organized into groups, with each person shouldering responsibilities within their team. They pledged to protect the ecology and practiced the goal of leaving no trace in the forest. They then strolled along the century-old Pasnanavan historic trail, listening to Teacher Katu share the history of the Bunun tribe's resistance against the Japanese colonization. In the evening, students spent time alone in the dark forest path, allowing their minds to settle and experiencing the tranquility of nature. They encountered mountain fireflies, collared scops owls, and a sky full of stars. The hope is that students will internalize the "non-cognitive abilities" cultivated through exploration education into their life journeys in the future. Facebook 

Junyi School of Innovation:
Children Are the Best Teachers

Last semester, the Junyi elementary school invited Sue Chang, the founder of the Yilan Cixin Waldorf School, to lead the "Waldorf Deepening Curriculum." In the final class, teachers Yun Shiang Lien, Sally Chung, and Yu Hsin Wang shared their experiences in integrating their teaching practices with the themes of "Morning Circle," "Wet Watercolor," and "Farming and Architecture." They expressed, "Children make us the best teachers!"

Teacher Yun Shiang shared that the "Morning Circle" involves not only interactive activities such as recitation, songs, and games but also cleverly incorporates elements like number rhymes and outdoor experiences, aligning with the main curriculum in mathematics or nature. Teacher Sally, with a background in the arts, emphasized the cultivation of aesthetics in "Wet Watercolor." Through the flow of colors, children can break free from the confines of shapes and discover the qualities of colors. Finally, Teacher Yu Hsin embarked on a farming learning journey last summer. Through her own learning and practical experiences, she planned the third-grade "Farming and Architecture" program. Website.