Our guests were Tsou tribal children from Alishan, Chiayi Province. Invited by TECO, they were coming to Taipei to perform for “Aboriginal Children’s Night”. Our students and parents volunteered to solve their accommodation problems by opening homes and welcoming the guests.
- Hosting special guests >
- Profile of our guestsLai Je Primary School--- a Tsou tribe near Tashan mountain
The school is situated in the beautiful Alishan forests. There are 22 students who are excellent singers and have won many singing contests. - PreparationsIn May 25th, we received our special guests who had come a long way from Alishan, Chia Yi. The children of Lai Je Primary were going to stay with us for three days and two nights. They would join our classes and school activities in Min Sheng Primary School. Then, they would go home with their host families. Here are some guidelines that a host family should follow:
1.All aboriginal children are Catholics or Protestants.
2.Bedtime hour should be restricted to 10:30.
3.All cold drinks or desserts and spicy food are prohibited to protect the children’s voices.
4.After the performance on May 28, host families should pick up their little guests and make sure they have checked with the working staff before leaving.
5.The purpose of our student exchange is to promote communication between children from rural and urban areas. It is vital that real interaction is more valued than offering presents. - Little hostsStudent 1
My guest’s name is Mei Yu. She is in fourth grade. The first day she came, we took her to the night market. My mom even bought her a present and she was so happy. We were very excited that we talked all night and we stayed up so late. But she get up very early the next morning. It really impressed me! She has a beautiful voice, like a bird singing.Student 2
My guest is second grade Wang Yen Ting. We had dinner at Royal Host. When we got home, we played some toys. We couldn’t stop until my mom nagged us to take our baths and go to bed for it was midnight already. Then we discussed about who is going to sleep on the bed or on the floor for the whole night.
The next day, we went to school together. Yen Ting was so excited. I introduced him to my classmates. Everybody in the class asked him a lot of questions. One asked him where he had been in Taipei, another even asked him whether he has a girlfriend or not. So funny! Ms Wong, our advisor gave him a special present. We were so happy! - Host ParentsHost Parents
The children were so excited to meet new friends. When we got home, my son shared his toys with Yen Ting. They were getting along very well and couldn’t bear to go to sleep when it’s really very late. When Yen Ting changed his clothes, I found out his pajamas had a musty smell. Maybe the climate in the mountains is really cold and they do not have enough sunlight. I let Yen Ting dress my son’s sportswear suit. Yen Ting really loved it!
The next day, the kids woke up at six. I couldn’t believe they can make it so early for they stayed up until one last night! My son shared his ipad with Yen Ting. Yen Ting said he has never seen such gadget. Then it was time to go. I took Yen Ting to school but my son didn’t. He couldn’t bear saying good bye to such a nice friend. However, my son packed up some toys for Yen Ting. After big hugs and picture taking, I waved goodbye to Yen Ting. Upon seeing Yen Ting got to the bus, I also felt sad for something has attached me to the kid.
