At Family Orienteering Event, Su Chiao-hui Pledges More Outdoor Spaces for Exploration

Democratic Progressive Party New Taipei mayoral candidate and legislator Su Chiao-hui joined families at an orienteering run organized by councilor Chang Wei-chien on the 5th. She said the activity combines exercise, map-reading and judgment, making it more than a test of physical strength.

Su described orienteering as an outdoor learning activity that helps children develop independent thinking and problem-solving skills. It also allows them to understand their surroundings and the distinctive geography of the places where they live. She thanked Chang, who is also a mother, for supporting parent-child education and encouraging children to try new challenges.

Su said a future city government would survey and improve New Taipei’s outdoor venues, combine them with environmental education and local characteristics, and make more locations suitable for family exploration activities. She presented the city’s mountains and coastline as a vivid outdoor classroom for children.

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Orienteering combines exercise, map-reading and judgment. It not only tests physical strength, but also helps children develop independent thinking and problem-solving skills.

She also said children should learn beyond textbooks by taking part in adventure, sports and unfamiliar activities. More exposure, she argued, helps them discover their interests and strengths, while learning what they do not enjoy or do well can also help them understand themselves.

Su pledged to develop a “community sports lifestyle network” and speed up construction of the Zhonghe Second National Sports Center to meet local demand. She also proposed reviewing public sports spaces and equipment so residents of every age and gender could exercise safely. Under her “sweat dividend” plan, residents would earn points through exercise and use them to offset public transport, convenience-store purchases and sports venue fees.

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The mountains and coastline of New Taipei can become the most vivid outdoor classroom for children.