by Lin Qi-Wen & Xu Ting-Wei, Project student
On November 23, 2024, Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages' University Social Responsibility Practice Program, “OUR TOWN Community Sustainable Cross-Domain Collaborative Platform Project”, held the “Bilingual Buddy Gathering” event. This event was in collaboration with another USR program.
The event aimed to guide elementary school students (from Anping Elementary School, Xianbei Elementary School, and Wuquan Elementary School) to explore the history and culture of Zuoying Old City. This half-day activity included a cultural and historical walking tour, an old city challenge, and a team presentation session. Through various activities, students were immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Fengshan Old City and experienced the historical charm of the Zuoying area.
On the event day, Mr. Chen Zhenrong, Manager of the Kaohsiung Old City Cultural Association, and Mr. Gong Shuyong, a teacher from the Foreign Language Guided Tours Community, served as lecturers, leading participants on the walking tour. They vividly explained the legends of Guishan Feng Shui, the gates and walls of the old city, and the historical and cultural significance of landmarks such as the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Chengyi Ciji Temple. Along the way, some English words and phrases were integrated into the explanations to enhance students' bilingual practical application skills. The elementary school students absorbed knowledge through storytelling and learned English vocabulary and phrases related to the sites, reinforcing their impressions.
After the walking tour, the students were divided into three groups to participate in a challenge activity. Guided by university students serving as station masters, the children applied the knowledge and English they had learned throughout the day to collaboratively complete the challenges, adding a layer of fun to the event. During the final presentation session, students reinforced what they had learned and showcased their achievements.
The event concluded successfully under the guidance of Ms. Lu Meifei, Mr. Lin Yicheng, and Mr. Luis. It not only provided elementary school students with a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Zuoying Old City but also sparked their interest and motivation in learning English. By combining education with entertainment, the event allowed children to learn and grow through hands-on experiences.
The OUR TOWN project team plans to continue organizing similar events to connect school and community resources, integrating cultural heritage with educational innovation. The goal is to cultivate students as multilingual and cross-cultural talents while deepening local cultural roots. This bilingual buddy gathering was a cultural and linguistic exchange and a successful demonstration of social responsibility in action.
Group photo of university students, elementary school students, and staff.
Elementary school students answering quiz questions at activity stations.
Luis explaining the historical story of the city gate.
Students attentively listening to the guided tour.
