For the past 10 years, the National Education Administration of the Ministry of Education has promoted the “Summer Fun Learning Program,” aiming to provide students with an environment to enhance their skills and learn local languages during the summer vacation. The program subsidizes elementary and junior high schools to offer 2- to 4-week courses during the summer. On August 12, Minister of Education Cheng Ing Yao visited Chaosheng Elementary School and Taiwu Elementary School in Pingtung County, where he joined students in experiencing Hakka and Indigenous cultural courses, and encouraged schools to continue innovating their teaching methods, allowing students to learn happily in a quality school environment.
The National Education Administration stated that the “Summer Fun Learning Program” emphasizes the goal of “Summer Enhancement, Learning by Doing,” encouraging schools to focus on immersive, practical activities, inviting experts, artists, elders, and cultural workers from the community to teach, combining local characteristics with students’ needs. Through the spirit of “Innovative Experimentation, Integrated Learning” and diverse cultural experiences, the program aims to enhance students' interest in learning and cultural identity.
On the morning of the 12th, Minister Cheng visited Chaosheng Elementary School in Pingtung, which centers its curriculum on the Hakka language and traditional Hakka culture, combining local resources with the school’s characteristics, allowing students to learn local languages through natural settings. Minister Cheng participated with students in making tea tree mosquito repellent, Hakka lion hanging ornaments, and learning to sing Hakka folk songs, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the school.
Hakka Art and Cultural Creation: Hakka Hanging Ornaments (Chaosheng Elementary School, Pingtung County) (Photo / Sourced from the Ministry of Education Website)
In the afternoon, Minister Cheng visited Taiwu Elementary School in the Wulaluzi community, which has held Summer Fun Learning courses for nine consecutive years, focusing on Paiwan language teaching. The courses cover community life and forest education, with students learning crafts from local artists or brewing from elders, gaining a deeper understanding of their own cultural heritage. During the visit, students showcased their learning achievements through warrior dances and wedding songs. Minister Cheng also participated in making life-representing pottery, traditional jinavu dishes, and blessing bead strings, experiencing the beauty of Paiwan culture.
Making Blessing Bead Strings (Taiwu Elementary School, Pingtung County) (Photo / Sourced from the Ministry of Education Website)
The National Education Administration emphasized that the “Summer Fun Learning Program” has helped schools discover their unique characteristics, with students demonstrating joyful learning, creativity, and enthusiasm, turning summer vacation into a valuable time for continued learning and broadening horizons.
