Cheng Shiu University “Dream Project” Honors Five Students for Community Service: From Receiving Help to Giving Back

Today, the Counseling and Caring Center of Cheng Shiu University (CSU) held a recognition ceremony for its “Dream Project for Community Service”, celebrating five underprivileged students who stepped out of campus and into the community to care for elderly residents living alone. Their efforts included home repairs, appliance replacement, and the delivery of 150 care packages to seniors and low-income families. After presenting the certificates of recognition, President Dr. Jui-Chang Kung praised the students for transforming from those in need of assistance into individuals who actively serve and uplift others—a truly admirable spirit.

A Journey of Care and Action

The event opened with a moving video documenting the students’ journey into rural communities, where they offered hands-on support to elderly individuals living alone. Tasks included home maintenance, cleaning, replacing broken appliances, and installing basic fixtures—deeply touching the attending faculty and guests.

President Kung noted that the five "Dream Giants" applied their professional skills to serve more than 400 people, proving that technical expertise combined with compassion can create real impact.

Students Leading with Heart and Skill

This semester’s participating students included Tsai Yi-Chu (1st-year, Visual Communication Design), Chen Yu-Ting, Tsuei Chiao-Chun, and Kuo Tzu-Chieh (Continuing Education Division), and Cheng Yuan-Yi (Tourism Department). The project, in collaboration with the Huashan Foundation, began with care services at Niaosong Station and extended into the Cijin area, where students conducted home visits and social care services for isolated elderly residents.

In addition to senior care, students participated in after-school activities at the Fengshan Children and Youth Community Care Center, where they used their creative talents to teach children how to make DIY kokedama (moss balls). These interactions offered a space for mutual sharing and inspiration between university students and underprivileged children, enriching the after-school program with a sense of joy and connection.

Rebranding for Social Empowerment: "Glimmer Bakery"

The Dream Project team also partnered with Professor Lai Yueh-Hsing from the Department of Visual Communication Design to assist the Fengshan Xin-Yi Mental Health Club with the revitalization of its community bakery. Students contributed to the rebranding and redesign of the space and products—including renaming the bakery, creating a new visual identity, redesigning packaging, and remodeling the interior. The result was the birth of “Glimmer Bakery”, a renewed community support venue that helps people with mental disabilities regain confidence and reintegrate into society through design-driven social innovation.

From Individual Strengths to Community Empowerment

The Cheng Shiu University Dream Project focuses on uncovering the unique strengths of students with special education needs and channeling them into community contributions. In addition to deepening efforts in elder care in Niaosong District, the project expanded this semester to include senior support services in Cijin, continuing CSU’s mission of social responsibility and inclusive education through meaningful community action.

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