Online Reading Program | Offical Website 🔗
To promote reading, the WT Foundation launched the Online Reading Program in 2022, uniting efforts from across sectors.Each year, the program benefits approximately 160 elementary school students, with the participation of over 200 dedicated reading volunteers. Over the past three years, students have read approximately 13,475 books. Through consistent, long-term one-on-one online reading sessions, the program not only broadens students’ horizons but also offers emotional support to children in remote areas.
This public welfare initiative is designed primarily to foster reading habits among students from grades 1 to 6, rather than serving as an academic tutoring program. Each reading session lasts just 30 minutes, held once per week during the school semester. Volunteers engage in screen-based, one-on-one online reading with the children at a regular basis. This consistent companionship helps sparking the passion for reading, encouraging exploration of the world and deeper understanding of various topics. The program also aims to counteract the fragmented and harmful information prevalent in the online world by grounding children in the rich, immersive experience of books.
Program Philosophy and Structure
∎ Focus on Book Reading: The program aims to strengthen concentration, expand vocabulary, enhance language and communication skills, develop memory and cognitive abilities, and stimulate creativity and imagination through consistent reading practices.
∎ Reading Volunteers as Third-Party Partners: In just 30 minutes per session, volunteers and children build mutual companionship and connection. These sessions offer valuable opportunities for shared growth and learning, beyond the act of reading itself.
∎ Annual In-Person Gathering: An annual “Reunion Day” event helps reinforce the reading relationship and deepen emotional bonds between volunteers and students, enhancing the overall impact of the program.
∎ Handmade Christmas Gifts Exchange: This meaningful activity teaches gratitude and sharing, allowing both volunteers and children to experience the joy of giving.
Gratitude to Our Partners
We extend our sincere thanks to all partners who have supported the program through adoption sponsorships and volunteer participation, including DBS Bank, Pou Chen Group’s Yu Yuan Education Foundation, Dyaco International Charity Foundation, Puyoung Construction, Ting Fang Charity and Care Association, and Shin Yuan Cultural and Educational Foundation.
On the student side, we are grateful for the collaboration of social welfare organizations such as World Vision Taiwan, Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF), and local churches where reading centers are based.
In 2024, we are honored to welcome FANG ZIH Biotechnology as a new partner, supporting children at the Taiwan Little Sun Community Service and Care Association in Taoyuan. Together, we continue walking alongside the children on their reading journey, lighting the way forward.
At the annual reunion event, Michelle Lin, CEO of FANG ZIH Biotechnology, shared:
“Seeing the smiles on our colleagues’ faces every Wednesday afternoon when they log in tells me that all our efforts have come back to us in abundance!” Amidst our busy work schedules, it is through shared reading and time spent together that we find a shift in mindset. While helping children, we also rediscover the purity within ourselves.
Volunteer Chun reflected: “Through reading companionship, I realized that everyone has their own unique spark, and I could see myself in the bright eyes of the children.”
Volunteer A-Kai mentioned that a quiet and reserved girl was not good at expressing her thoughts. To support her, they took turns reading a page each. With enough patience and encouragement, the child gradually opened up, releasing her curiosity and creativity toward the world. Reading became a beautiful and inspiring journey of growth.
Volunteer Alice shared: “Patience and guidance are crucial. When a child is willing to open up and share, it means they recognize and trust us. Even across a screen, encouragement and a smile can convey genuine care.” In addition to one-on-one online companionship, Alice also took on the role of volunteer coordinator. Over the past year of dedicated involvement, she has reaped rich and fulfilling rewards in her heart.
10th Anniversary of the WT Foundation ▸ On December 1
In 2024, the total amount of donations including self-i