From August 7 to 29, Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) Service-Learning Center’s Thailand Overseas Volunteer Team partnered for the first time with teachers and students from Chungli Senior High School of Commerce (CLVS) to organize the “Chinese Summer Camp for Children at the Thai–Myanmar Border.” Held at Sanmin Elementary School and Ban Mae End Secondary School in Mae Sot—both supported by the Heart of One Foundation (Taoyuan)—the two-week program engaged more than 250 children and youth. Led by 11 volunteers, the camp used games, songs, and creative lesson designs to open a joyful window to the Chinese language.
“We hold hands together, cheer today, wave goodbye to yesterday…” The familiar Chinese lyrics echoed through the schoolyard in Mae Sot as children sang and danced alongside volunteers from Taiwan. Smiles filled the classrooms and playgrounds, turning language learning into laughter-filled memories.
Volunteers designed theme-based activities closely tied to daily life: from pictographic character drawing and introducing local foods in Chinese, to holiday crafts and interactive group games. Children eagerly raised their hands, answered questions, and proudly shared their creations—transforming Chinese from abstract symbols into a lively and relatable learning experience. One young boy, wearing a self-made Chinese nametag, beamed with pride as he sang and danced to Little Hand in Hand, reflecting the joy and confidence language learning can bring.
Learning also extended outdoors. Volunteers set up vibrant team-based challenge games, where children practiced vocabulary through running, cooperation, and problem-solving. Teachers were deeply moved. Mr. Wang Xu from Ban Mae End Secondary School noted: “The innovative teaching methods brought by Taiwanese students helped our children learn so much. We hope the camp can return next year.” Similarly, Mr. Peng Chengying of Sanmin Elementary said: “The courses were well-structured, creative, and engaging. The children truly enjoyed learning Chinese in such a joyful atmosphere.”
For the Taiwanese volunteers, the experience was equally transformative. CYCU Applied Chinese student Chang Yi-Ting reflected: “By integrating games into language teaching, I saw how much the children enjoyed learning. It inspired me to design more creative lesson plans in the future to boost learning motivation.” Chungli High School teacher Wu Siting added: “Our students saw a different world at the Thai–Myanmar border, gaining life experiences far beyond textbooks, which enriched their learning journey.”
CYCU Service-Learning Center Director Tu Zhe-Yi emphasized that the center has long upheld the spirit of University Social Responsibility (USR). “This cross-school collaboration—where university students led high school students in overseas service—not only enhanced the camp’s impact but also broadened the youths’ global vision, embodying the essence of world citizenship.”
CYCU stated that this summer camp left behind the most precious memory of the year—youthful smiles and wholehearted service. It provided students with a profound cross-cultural experience and planted the first seeds of Chinese learning in the hearts of Thai–Myanmar children, becoming a foundation for cultural exchange and friendship. To carry forward this spirit, CYCU will host the “CYCU 70・Together We Sail – Service-Learning Exhibition and Fair” on October 19, inviting the public to hear volunteer stories and witness how young people put the motto “Education as Service” into action.
