The Permanent Campus of Taiwu Elementary School in Pingtung County, Taiwu Township Holds its Opening Ceremony Today

 

On Teachers’ Day (September 28th), Taiwu Elementary School in Pingtung County, Taiwu Township held its new campus opening ceremony under the active efforts of units such as the Morakot Post-Disaster Reconstruction Council, Executive Yuan, BenQ Foundation, Ministry of Education, and Pingtung County Government. This held great significance to the residents of Wulaluzi tribe, as the children of 117 families within the tribe will now be able to study near their homes in a quality instructional environment, without the hassle of long commutes.

 

President Ma, who is deeply concerned about education but was unable to attend the event in person, offered his congratulations via a call-in during the ceremony. He said, “Taiwu Elementary School, which was damaged by Typhoon Morakot two years ago and thus relocated and rebuilt alongside the tribe at Xinchi Farm Permanent Housing Base, is finally complete today. As this is the first school that had been completely relocated after the disaster, we should give our warmest applause and encouragements. Taiwu Elementary School possesses a self-sufficient photovoltaic system, in additional to having elements of traditional Paiwan imagery and cultural architecture incorporated within the campus design. The finished school has a very distinctive indigenous style, and I am as overjoyed as all of you. I was very touched to have attended the opening ceremony on August 15th, 2011, alongside all of you at Taiwu’s new home: Wulaluzi . The completion and opening of Taiwu Elementary School today signifies another major step for reconstruction progress. This method of combining the strength of government and non-profit organizations has proven to be a highly efficient method for reconstruction. Completion of Taiwu elementary school in such a short timeframe was only possible through the efforts of units such as the BenQ Foundation and various governmental departments. The opening date was chosen on this special holiday, Teachers’ Day, for the date’s significance. It signifies that it is our responsibility and hope for the children to learn without worry and grow up happily, now that reconstruction efforts have progressed to a new stage. We look forward to the children embarking on new learning experiences as they laugh, sing, and study here. Lastly, I wish you all the best.”

 

Deputy CEO Chern Jenn-Chuan of the Reconstruction Council said that it took six tries, with the combined efforts of expert scholars and tribal residents, to find this safe base at the foot of the tribe’s favorite mountain, Dawu Mountain, for the construction of permanent housing. Taiwu Elementary School was also relocated 4 times before finally being reconstructed at Wulaluzi. The central government, local government, Red Cross, BenQ Foundation, and other units have invested NTD$800 million in the reconstruction of Wulaluzi and Taiwu Elementary School within the entire base. The overall reconstruction work has now entered the stage of promoting a sustainable community, progressing from the first stage of establishing permanent housing and settling the inhabitants.

 

During his dedication, Deputy CEO Chern stressed that aside from incorporating traditional Paiwan cultural symbols into the design of Taiwu Elementary School, other imagery such as North Dawu Mountain, South Dawu Mountain, hundred pacer snake, and ceramic pots were also included. Although the students have left their old school, which was surrounded by mountains, they are still able to live and learn under an atmosphere of Paiwan culture as the tribe relocates to the location of the new school. He also presented a certificate of gratitude to the chairman of the BenQ Foundation, KY Lee, on behalf of Premier Wu to express the government’s gratitude toward the group.

 

The BenQ Foundation stated that a considerable amount of elements from Paiwan culture were incorporated into the design of Taiwu Elementary School, which had to be relocated to accommodate the tribe’s move. For example, the wall of the school facing the ceramic pot plaza is decorated with the family crest of the tribal chief . Imagery of North Dawu Mountain and South Dawu Mountain can be seen on the west and north side of the campus. Stone slate houses, traditional swings, brans, and taro roasting racks make it possible for tribal elders to come and tell the children about ancestral tales as a means to pass down tribal traditions and memories from the mountains. Also, BenQ’s photovoltaic technology was also integrated into the design to create a green photovoltaic school through building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).

 

Tribal braves kicked off the opening ceremony with shouts and gun salutes. In addition to the exciting performance by the Taiwu Elementary School Folk Singers, Kimbo, Wanan Elementary School, the Taiwu Junior High School Band and the entire tribe were invited to “sing for the land”. This was a new start for Taiwu Elementary School, and as the honored guests and tribal representatives witnessed this historical moment, the joyful atmosphere permeated the audience. Under these jubilant voices, the opening ceremony marked a brand new start for Taiwu Elementary School.

 

重建會、明基友達等單位應邀為泰武國小啟用剪彩

 

陳副執行長代表吳院長頒贈感射狀給明基友達李董事長

 

泰武國小贈送陶壼給所有援建及協助單位

 

泰武國小學童以歌聲表達感謝