The first youth space in Taiwan, named “Awakened Youth Learning Hub” was unveiled at the Tzu Chi Anping Liaison Office in Tainan, Taiwan. | Photo: Ya-Hui Wu (吳雅惠)

A new “Awakened Youth Learning Hub” officially opened its doors on December 20, 2025 at the Tzu Chi Anping Liaison Office in Tainan, Taiwan. This innovative space is designed to empower young people, foster intergenerational connections, and revitalize the local community through a variety of engaging activities.

The idea for the hub originated from a group of young people inspired by their participation in the sutra adaptation performance of the Song of Diligence. Their journey, enriched by environmental initiatives and vegetarian practices, ultimately led to the creation of this co-learning space for both youth and the wider community. Po-I Chiu (邱博義), a member of the Tainan youth team, shared that upcoming activities will include vegetarian BBQs and farm experiences, offering opportunities for ongoing interaction and connection among young participants.

A space for growth and connection

The hub’s design was led primarily by the youth team, incorporating bright, warm elements to create a relaxed yet dynamic atmosphere. Ahead of the official unveiling, Tzu Chi's CEO Po-Wen Yen (顏博文) held an open discussion with the youth. Drawing on his own experience transitioning from a career at UMC to joining Tzu Chi, CEO Yen encouraged the participants: "The future world belongs to young people."

He emphasized that co-learning is not about providing answers but about accompanying young people as they explore their life paths. This, he explained, embodies the essence of “awakening”—moving from self-awareness to altruistic action.

CEO Yen highlighted that the hub is more than a youth space; it is a vital platform for connecting the community and fostering interaction among older generations, families, and youth. He expressed his hope that participants would discover their unique strengths and contribute to diverse missions, bringing new energy to the community. The hub will host regular courses and remain open to the public, serving as a welcoming space for families and children.

CEO Yen (left) engages in a face-to-face discussion with youths, encouraging them to discover their talents and participate in diverse community initiatives. | Photo: Iris Kuo (郭明娟)

Intergenerational support

Volunteer Ming-Cheng Liu (劉銘正) also extended the volunteer team’s full support, assuring the youth:

Go ahead and do it—the entire liaison office is your resource.

This cross-generational trust and encouragement imbue the hub with boundless potential. It is hoped that the Awakened Youth Learning Hub will serve as a model for youth centers globally, inspiring initiatives that empower young people and strengthen communities worldwide.

Designed with young people in mind, the space will also host activities and showcase their achievements. | Photo: Tzu Chi Foundation

Written by Yi-Ting Wang (王藝婷)