Supported by the Ministry of Education's Youth Development Administration under the Pilot Program for International Sustainability and Social Innovation Talent Development, the Department of Culture and Natural Resources at National University of Tainan (NUTN) visited the Tzu Chi Manahel International School in Türkiye on July 10, 2026, to engage in academic and cultural exchange. Centered on the theme "Sustainable Community Development in the Context of War and Disaster Relief," the visit brought faculty members and students to the front line of international refugee education. Through firsthand observation and interaction, participants explored how cultural heritage, humanitarian care, and disaster resilience can work together to make education a driving force for rebuilding society. The program also highlighted the department's commitment to integrating academic knowledge with practical experience while cultivating a global perspective.
During the visit, Tzu Chi volunteers Hu Guang-zhong and Zhou Ru-yi shared the story behind the establishment of Manahel International School. More than simply providing educational opportunities, the school has become an important hub for international humanitarian assistance, accompanying countless Syrian children displaced by war as they rebuild hope for the future. One touching story featured Najwa, a girl who lost both her legs and her family. Through long-term psychological support and educational opportunities, she gradually overcame trauma and embraced a new future. Another young volunteer who welcomed the NUTN delegation had once worked as a child laborer in a garment factory. With the school's support and education, he has grown into a young adult dedicated to serving others. These personal stories helped NUTN faculty and students realize that the essence of humanitarian assistance extends far beyond material aid. Lasting recovery depends on education, empowerment, and continuous companionship that enable disaster-affected communities to regain the ability to move forward independently—an embodiment of the true value of sustainable development.
In the afternoon, participants joined a cultural exchange activity featuring "Turnaround Rice," a traditional meal carrying profound cultural significance. Through food, they learned about the life stories and cultural backgrounds of different communities. To introduce Taiwanese culture to Syrian children, NUTN invited renowned Taiwanese stone-rubbing artist Tseng Kuo-tung, who guided students in experiencing the traditional art of stone rubbing. The activity allowed children to appreciate the importance of preserving and passing on cultural heritage through hands-on participation. The NUTN delegation also prepared traditional Paiwan glass beads as cultural gifts. The blessings symbolized by these beads inspired meaningful dialogue with Türkiye's well-known blue eye symbol, creating an opportunity to share how different cultures express hopes for peace, protection, and good fortune while bringing people from diverse backgrounds closer together.
The Department of Culture and Natural Resources at National University of Tainan noted that the exchange represented far more than an overseas study visit—it was a cross-border experiential classroom. By engaging directly with refugee education, participants connected what they had learned on campus with issues including cultural heritage preservation, humanitarian care, disaster resilience, and sustainable development. The experience strengthened students' intercultural understanding and their capacity for social engagement, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address global challenges.