Folk culture and community stories exchange

Name: Folk culture and community stories exchange
Start: 2026-07-21
End: 2026-07-28
Location: Taiwan

Code: 1816f48d-0ee6-11f1-8b4c-fa163ef8d720 Copied

Taiwan Culture Older people Culture Older people Fixed dates

About the project

📝 Detailed information

🏢 About the local organisation

Taichung City Chang-You Caring Association Dongxin Story Exchange workcamp 2026 is an 8-day international volunteer workcamp hosted by Taichung City Chang-You Caring Association in Taichung City. The workcamp combines three local services(1) community care for the elderly and meal service, (2) day care services for people with disabilities, and (3) a community supply bank (providing matching donations for disadvantaged families)with a special program called Ocean Dreams: accompanying children and their families on an overnight program at the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium. Through companionship, simple logistical support, and story-based cultural exchange, volunteers help build an inclusive community where seniors, people with disabilities, children, and international youth can learn from and grow together. The schedule will be planned based on the community’s daily services and children’s after-school photo schedule. On the fourth day (Friday), the community will host an International Cultural Night and a Marine Dream Pledge Ceremony, where seniors, children’s families, and residents will gather to enhance team cohesion and prepare for their early departure on the fifth day. Achievements over the past years (highlights): 1. Provide ongoing elderly care services, including regular community meals, gatherings, and events. 2. Operate a day care service for people with disabilities and a community supply depot (sorting and distributing donated goods). 3. Organize international cultural exchange activities in collaboration with local temples and community partners. Aims: 1. Silver Age Vitality: Support senior citizen programs and achieve over 100 participants during the camp. 2. Storytelling Book: Collaborate on the creation of a bilingual community storybook (mini-magazine/PDF) and a 60-90 second engaging video (with consent). 3. Ocean Dreams: Accompany approximately 30 children through an overnight experience at the Ocean Museum, enhancing their confidence and global awareness. 4. Community Inclusion: Attract 50-80 residents to a intercultural exchange evening, strengthening local and international solidarity.

💼 What the programme involves

Participants will assist with various daily community services, including: 1. Assisting with meal preparation, venue setup, and activities at elderly care centers; 2. Participating in community story collection and interviews, and writing stories in English; 3. Supporting daycare program for people with disabilities (excluding personal care) and organizing donated items in the supply warehouse; 4. Organizing and hosting International Cultural Night (including cultural booths, story walls, and greeting cards); 5. Accompanying children and their families on the "Ocean Dream Journey" (including roll call, assisting with group activities, and arranging logistical support for learning activities). Scope of service: Supportive work only; does not involve medical procedures, personal care, or one-on-one contact with children.

🏠 Accommodation on site

Accommodation: Dormitory-style rooms at the host community in Taiping District (with shower/toilet). And volunteers are advised to bring their own sleeping bags (more detail will be confirmed on infosheet). Meals: Lunch is usually provided by the community; dinner will be prepared together or provided by the community or experience local food. And there will be cultural exchange activities where volunteers can cook their national dishes and share them with local. Breakfast can be self-arranged or provided by the community.

🍲 Food

Lunch is usually provided by the community; dinner will be prepared together or provided by
the community or experience local food. And there will be cultural exchange activities where
volunteers can cook their national dishes and share them with local.
Breakfast can be self-arranged or provided by the community.

📍 About the location

Taichung City, Taiwan. Accommodation is in Taiping District; activities are taking place in East District. Taichung is a major city in central Taiwan with convenient railway/HSR connections. Google Map: Main base (Taiping): https://maps.app.goo.gl/E7n263U3phBm6sGQ7 Community activity site (Dongxin/East District): https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q8fQ3drX4yhLhKKx7 Leisure Activities: Local temple and community culture visits (e.g., Lecheng Temple area), Taichung night markets, and local sightseeing

🎒 Leisure activities

The project is based in Taichung City, a bustling metropolis in central Taiwan known for its pleasant climate and rich cultural scene. While your accommodation is in the Taiping District, the main community activities will take place in the East District. Taichung is well-connected by Taiwan's efficient railway and High-Speed Rail (HSR) systems, making it an excellent base for exploring the island.

During your free time, you will have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture. Planned activities include visits to local temples, such as the historic Lecheng Temple, and exploring the surrounding community. You can also discover the city's famous night markets, like the sprawling Feng Chia Night Market, for an unforgettable culinary and cultural experience. Depending on the schedule, other possible excursions could include visits to the colourful Rainbow Village or the serene Gaomei Wetlands.

⚠️ Requirements

We are looking for participants who are passionate about community work and eager to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds. The ideal volunteer is open-minded, respectful of local culture, enjoys interacting with seniors and children, and possesses a strong sense of teamwork and responsibility. A positive attitude and a willingness to participate fully in all activities are essential.

🤝 Meeting point

Taichung Railway Station (suggested) and/or Taichung High Speed Rail Station,
between 1 PM and 5 PM on the first day (to be confirmed). Please confirm your arrival information
in advance for pick-up and drop-off.

ℹ️ Additional information

We hope participants will be passionate about community work, respect local culture, enjoy
interacting with seniors and children, and possess a strong team spirit.
July weather is hot and rainy – please bring breathable clothing, rain gear, sunscreen, and
mosquito repellent.

Emergency plan: In case of a typhoon or heavy rain during the event, the "Ocean Dream" project
will be changed to an indoor educational visit (museum/creative workshop) in Taichung, along
with additional story creation/presentation sessions.

Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.