Classmates reunite after 35 years to host summer camp at their rural alma mater

Thirty-five years after graduating, three former classmates have reunited to bring a summer camp to their rural elementary school in Yunlin. Lin San-wei, principal of Keelung Girls' Senior High School, Yunlin County Councilor Jian Ci-fang, and Ye Bing-nan, president of Shigui Elementary School's parent-teacher association, all graduated from the school in the same year.

They organized the camp, which involved about 20 students from Keelung Girls' Senior High School and Banqiao High School in New Taipei City. These students traveled south to Dounan's Shigui Elementary School to spend the week with over 50 local children. Through games, crafts, board games, and indigo dyeing, the older students taught math, English, and science. The younger children learned scientific principles like chemistry and physics while creating their own indigo-dyed items, reacting with surprise and joy.

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The school is not just a place to learn, but the most important starting point in a person's life.

"The school is not just a place to learn, but the most important starting point in a person's life," said Councilor Jian Ci-fang. "It is moving that classmates who studied together at Shigui Elementary School 35 years ago, some becoming principals, others entering public service, and others continuing to protect their alma mater, have joined hands again to serve their hometown out of shared concern for the next generation. This friendship is especially precious."

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It is moving that classmates who studied together at Shigui Elementary School 35 years ago, some becoming principals, others entering public service, and others continuing to protect their alma mater, have joined hands again to serve their hometown out of shared concern for the next generation. This friendship is especially precious.

Principal Lin San-wei recalled attending similar camps at his elementary school during summer breaks. He said these experiences inspired him to participate in rural service during college and later lead students in service-learning as a teacher. "I've worked outside for many years and deeply feel the urban-rural gap," he said. His mother's words, "You've been to Hualien and Northern Thailand, why not your own hometown?" became a key motivation for him to return and organize this camp. He also thanked corporate sponsors for their financial support.

Ye Bing-nan added that the camp not only provided rich learning resources for the rural children but also symbolized the commitment and emotional legacy of generations of Shigui residents to their hometown. The event highlights a powerful connection between alumni and their roots, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for the future.

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I've worked outside for many years and deeply feel the urban-rural gap. My mother's words, 'You've been to Hualien and Northern Thailand, why not your own hometown?' became a key motivation for me to return and organize this camp.