In Kaohsiung, a dedicated group of individuals is working tirelessly to bring hope to underprivileged children through acts of love and service. By offering free, one-on-one tutoring, they aim to help these children overcome academic challenges and change the trajectory of their futures.

The University Social Responsibility (USR) initiative of National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU), in collaboration with the Chinese Hsin Chuan Think Tank Association, established the Hsin Chuan Kaohsiung Branch after three semesters of highly successful trial operations.

To ensure the sustainable development of this initiative in Kaohsiung, Director Jin-Shan Huang of the Chinese Hsin Chuan Think Tank Association announced the formation of the “Kaohsiung Local Support Team” in January. Guided by the principle, “With you and me, Kaohsiung thrives together,” this milestone was marked by a donation ceremony featuring contributions from 26 generous donors.

Director Huang, driven by his mission to “transform the lives of underprivileged children,” has championed free one-on-one remedial education for economically disadvantaged students struggling academically. This approach has achieved outstanding results, with more than 72% of participating students showing significant improvement in both academic performance and personal development. The program has garnered widespread recognition for addressing critical issues related to national competitiveness and social equity.

After more than a decade of refinement, the program received the endorsement of former NSYSU President Dr. Ying-Yao Cheng (now Minister of Education) in 2023. It has since been integrated into the College of Management’s third-phase USR initiative, “Industry-University Co-Creation for Local Sustainability.”

This innovative collaboration between NSYSU’s USR program and the Chinese Hsin Chuan Think Tank Association combines service-learning with tutoring to provide targeted educational support for Kaohsiung’s disadvantaged youth. NSYSU students play an active role as volunteer tutors, with enrollment demand for the course consistently exceeding capacity.

The program has delivered exceptional results. Within just one month, students demonstrated notable improvement in mathematics and English, with many transitioning from low academic performers to high achievers in their classes. These achievements have not only boosted academic outcomes but also increased students’ confidence and motivation, offering them a path to brighter futures.

Associate Dean Jui-Kun Kuo of the NSYSU College of Management highlighted the enthusiasm and dedication of participating university students, who are passionate about providing life-changing opportunities for underprivileged children. In late 2024, the initiative reached another milestone when NSYSU’s USR program was approved for the Ministry of Education’s Phase IV (2025–2027) Deepening Plan, ensuring continued support for educational transformation in Kaohsiung.

To further support students, the program offers scholarships and free daily dinners, providing a stable and nurturing environment for learning. However, maintaining such a large-scale initiative requires substantial funding. Director Huang stressed the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, particularly in an era when AI is transforming the labor market. He called on individuals and organizations nationwide to contribute, ensuring the program’s sustainability.

The program has also received significant local support. Chairperson Lin Che-Hsiung of the Kaohsiung Lions Club 300-E5 Second Division led 26 members to donate NT$160,000 to establish the Local Support Team. Additionally, former Wufu Lions Club President Shih Mao-Lung, moved by Director Huang’s dedication, pledged a monthly donation of NT$10,000 to provide ongoing support.

Through collective efforts, the program aims to create a brighter future for underprivileged children by helping them achieve their academic dreams and unlock their potential. By sustaining this initiative, society ensures that the light of opportunity continues to shine, transforming lives for generations to come.

(Provided by the USR & CSR Teams / Edited by the College of Management Media Team)