Tzu Chi volunteers prepare to distribute bundles of refurbished computer main units (CPUs) and new peripherals to students in Guangfu Township, bridging the digital divide after essential home equipment was lost to the flood. | Photo: Yi-Chien Chen (陳誼謙) and Meng-Chia Wang (王孟加)

Restoring Education After Disaster

The recent severe flooding in Guangfu Township, Hualien County, caused by an overflowing landslide dam, left many students without essential learning tools. As schools prepared for reopening, the need for educational resources became critical to ensuring learning continuity. In response, Tzu Chi, alongside partners, stepped in to provide crucial support, ensuring that students could resume their studies with confidence and stability.

On October 5, Tzu Chi donated a total of 144 sets of refurbished computers and brand-new peripherals to students at four schools in the disaster area: Dajin Elementary School, Guangfu Elementary School, Tabalong Elementary School, and Sifu Elementary School.

Technology for a New Era of Learning

The disaster had destroyed or damaged many families’ household computer equipment. Recognizing the increasing necessity of digital learning, Tzu Chi worked with tech professionals and young volunteers from Hsinchu to provide a complete solution.

  • Refurbished and New: The comprehensive packages included a main computer unit (recycled), but with brand-new hard drives and all peripherals—monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and webcams—to ensure reliable performance.
  • Addressing Immediate Needs: Simon Shyong (熊士民), Deputy CEO of the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, explained the initiative: "Children are returning to school soon, and may need online learning. We knew that students' homes were affected, so we provided these refurbished computers to meet their needs."

The impact was immediate. Yu-Ling Cheng (程于玲), Director of Academic Affairs at Dajin Elementary School, shared her gratitude: "Many of our children's home computer equipment was washed away. We are grateful to Tzu Chi for providing students with opportunities for digital learning."

For parents like Mrs. Lin Mama, the computers brought immense relief: "On the third day after the disaster, my child kept asking: 'When can I go back to school?' Now with a computer, they can learn online." Tzu Chi volunteers helped with hands-on installation and ensured every student could use the equipment smoothly.

Representatives from Tzu Chi, including Deputy CEO of the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation Simon Shyong (front right), and the local community pose with the donated refurbished computer systems and brand-new peripherals (monitors, speakers, and webcams). The initiative aims to provide students in Guangfu Township with the tools needed for uninterrupted digital learning. | Photo: Yi-Chien Chen (陳誼謙) and Meng-Chia Wang (王孟加)

Essential Tools for Academic Confidence

Beyond digital resources, Tzu Chi partnered with 9x9 Stationery to provide essential back-to-school items.

  • Comprehensive Kits: A total of 53 boxes of stationery were distributed to 430 students across Guangfu Elementary School, Guangfu Junior High, and Guangfu Vocational High School.
  • Contents: Each student received a complete kit containing a school bag, glue, notebook, colored pencils, crayons, pencils, rulers, eraser, pencil sharpener, and a stationery bag.
The new school bags, accented with a small teddy bear, are part of the comprehensive stationery kits distributed to students to help them return to school happily and without worry after the flood. | Photo: Yi-Chien Chen (陳誼謙) and Meng-Chia Wang (王孟加)

A Return to Joyful Normalcy

The provision of these resources was designed to alleviate both academic and emotional burdens for the children, helping them transition back to a sense of normalcy.

Huang Tong-Fang (黃彤芳), Principal of Guangfu Elementary School, emphasized the importance of this holistic support: "We are grateful for the love from all sectors... We hope they can go to school happily, without lacking uniforms and stationery, and all necessary school supplies."

She also noted the eagerness of the students: "Children haven't been to school for two weeks. We are looking forward to their return, and they miss their classmates. More than half of the students hope to attend physical classes." For those displaced and learning remotely, the donated computers were vital, ensuring that every student, regardless of their location, has the tools needed to continue their education.

A volunteer from the tech team works directly with a father and his child in their home, ensuring the donated computer is installed correctly and functioning properly for the student's online learning and educational recovery. | Photo: Yi-Chien Chen (陳誼謙) and Meng-Chia Wang (王孟加)

Written by Yi-Chien Chen (陳誼謙)

Source: 助災區學子復學 慈濟送文具及電腦抵光復災區