Reading program overcomes boundaries
In 2022, WT Education Foundation launched the One on One online reading program.
This project uses Internet technology to overcome the limitations of geographical barriers. Volunteers are committed to weekly one-on-one sessions for school children in rural areas with aim to open up their horizons and provide them warm support.
The effort of WT Education Foundation is joined by DBS Bank, Bao Chen Group, Dyaco, Puyong Archiland, Tingfang Charity Care Association, and Hsinyuan Foundation to establish online reading partnership in rural areas in Taiwan where resources are scarce.
At the beginning, the Program worked with seven schools located in Yunlin, Chiayi, Changhua, Taichung and the outer island of Penghu. A total of 250 schoolchildren and volunteers participated in the Program. From the beginning of the school term in September to the end of the first semester, the Program served as many as 4,358 person-times. In addition, more than 500 reading partners attended the reading partner meetup activities, volunteer training, and DIY activities for schoolchildren in the Program.
The social welfare units that cooperate with the school children in this program include World Vision Taiwan, Taiwan Fund for Children and Families, and the local churches. They provide venue and identify the school children in need of help, while WT Technology and the adopters contribute funds and donate books and computer equipment. The volunteer reading partners are employees of adopting companies, college students, and mothers.
The online reading program involves volunteers’ long-term stable engagement as the disadvantaged children’s company, tutors and role models, of which the children is deprived with their families. On the other hand, it also assists enterprises to establish a model of giving back to the society, and provides opportunities for volunteers to show their enthusiasm and participate in social welfare. For the volunteers, participating in the Program is not only an act of charity and altruism, but also a chance to learn and grow out of the interactions and mutual influence.
