Cheng Shiu University (CSU) held its "Dream-Building Social Service Program Achievement Exhibition" today, showcasing a year-long series of charitable actions by special education students. These included repairing typhoon-damaged homes of disadvantaged elderly residents in the "Shan Tuo Er" community, painting walls to improve living conditions, and organizing heartwarming activities such as making glutinous rice balls, stewing pork trotters, and playing ring toss with lonely seniors. President Kung Jui-chang highlighted the program's profound impact, stating that directly engaging with the elderly offers more meaning and fulfillment than monetary donations, embodying the joy of giving.

Documenting Efforts and Service Achievements

The exhibition opened with a documentary that chronicled the students' journey in home repairs and transformations for solitary seniors. It revealed the dedication and compassion behind their efforts to improve the living environments of the elderly.

After the devastating "Shan Tuo Er" typhoon, students independently stepped into the community to assist seniors in cleaning and rebuilding. Discovering that many mobility-impaired elderly individuals were unable to improve their living conditions, the students formed the "Happiness Station" service team. Beginning in Niaosong District, they extended their efforts to Xiaogang, Qijin, and Yancheng, applying their knowledge and skills to aid disadvantaged seniors across the community.

Practical Help and Heartfelt Care

Through home visits, the students identified the specific needs of the elderly. They repaired rooftops for one grandmother, cleared cluttered environments for a mobility-impaired grandfather, fixed water pipe leaks, painted walls, and improved overall living conditions. In one case, the team installed lighting and added an extension cord for a grandmother, ensuring better visibility at night and reducing the risk of falls.

President Kung emphasized CSU’s commitment to empowering special education students through transformative activities. These initiatives help students who may themselves require assistance to shift roles and support those in even greater need, fostering self-confidence and the joy of helping others.

Students’ Voices: Transformative Experiences

Chen Chun-yu, a junior in the Information Management Department, shared, "This year’s series of typhoons damaged countless homes of solitary seniors. Helping them repaint walls and repair damages made their homes feel brand new. Seeing their satisfied smiles brought immense joy to my heart."

Wang Chun-fu, a junior in the Business Administration Department, added, "Transforming cluttered and dirty homes into clean and refreshing spaces was a rewarding experience. Seeing the elderly light up with joy made all our efforts worthwhile."

A Platform for Sharing Love and Gratitude

Dean of Student Affairs Lin Shu-yun noted that the Dream-Building Social Service Program provides students with a platform to showcase their talents. In collaboration with CSU’s Compassion Society and the Kaohsiung Education Association, the program cared for 130 solitary seniors and helped four disadvantaged households with home repairs. By stepping out of the campus, these students, many from underprivileged backgrounds themselves, broke free from limitations and passed on love and gratitude to others.

This initiative not only transformed lives but also served as a testament to CSU's dedication to fostering compassion, social responsibility, and mutual support among its students and the community.

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