Achievements

AEF Achievements for 2010

2010-12-16

1.Life Education

(1)Speeches given by CEO of AEF in schools

(2)Speeches and performance given by the Disabled Performing Arts Group in schools

(3)Production of the radio show “Life is Good” in Leader Station operated by the Taipei Detention Center

(4)Cooperated with the China Youth Corps to hold the “With Love in Your Heart, You Can Walk Unhindered and Can Walk Toward a Bright Future” life education event

(5)Took part in “Learning through Arts – Arts Education” held in Taipei County

Speeches given by AEF CEO in schools

Each year, the Ministry of Education invites guest speakers to share their inspirational and motivating life stories during the “Special Education Week” and “Life Education Week” to encourage students to overcome obstacles and value life. Ming Liu, CEO of the ADLINK Education Foundation, is one of the people that is frequently invited to speak.

Liu has delivered speeches on a variety of topics, including “My Life Turning Point”, “Colorful Life”, and “Opportunity Often Comes Disguised in the Form of Misfortune.” Students nowadays do not like to be lectured. Successful examples are more likely to catch their attention. Liu’s eloquence came from his experience hosting radio shows, which helped as he related his real-life stories. Through these stories he served as a role model for the teens.

Speeches and performance given by the Disabled Performing Arts Group in schools

In addition to Ming Liu’s long-term advocacy for “life education” speeches in schools, it was the foundation’s hope that voices of its sponsored group, Disabled Performing Arts Group (DPAG), could be heard. With their extraordinary talents and skills, their distinctive method of delivering their speech stood out and caught the students’ attention.

With its increased growth in popularity, DPAG members were invited to begin public speaking in schools. AEF wishes to have more DPAG members assume the role of public speakers for two purposes: To increase the income of the speakers and to fulfill the demand of speakers with disabilities. This year, a total of 109 speeches were given by DPAG members.

Production of the radio show “Life is Good” in Leader Station operated by the Taipei Detention Center

The Taipei Detention Center accommodates the highest number of inmates in Taiwan. With a vision to have a positive influence on the inmates’ improvement in moral education and rehabilitation through light-hearted and inspirational programs, Leader Station started four years ago and was the first radio station to be established by a detention center.

If it results in a significant positive effect, Leader Station will break new ground and be the model for the establishment of future stations of its kind.

AEF was honored to take part in the production and hosting of the radio show “Life is Good” in the station. Ming Liu, CEO of AEF, and Hui-Er Ni, Director of AEF, produced and hosted the show once a month since four years ago. Two to three episodes were made each visit, with each episode being 30 minutes. The show was podcasted during contemplation sessions on Tuesday nights.

The focus of the show in the first year was on timeless inspirational stories, while interviews of people with disabilities were conducted in the second year. Starting from two years ago, disabled guests with recognized outstanding achievements have been invited to appear on the show.

Took part in “Learning through Arts – Arts Education” held in Taipei County

A total of 150 interactive arts activities were carried out by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the Social Affairs Bureau and the Education Bureau of Taipei County, with intent to increase participation in arts among students and families in the remote areas of Taipei County.

Four series of activities were designed to focus on visual arts and performing arts, the two major categories for the project. The two visual arts activities were “Exhibition and Museum Tours” and “Arts Education Workshop” and the two performing arts activities were “Learning through Arts” and “Theater Arts.” AEF was honored to be invited to take part in the “Learning through Arts” activities. Through close-up performances, the project was able to raise children’s participation in performances, infuse aesthetic education in daily life and enhance the quality of cultural and arts groups in New Taipei City.

2.The “Spreading Love” Train

(1)“Delivering Love to Prisons” Project

(2)“Thumbs Up for the Youth!” Volunteer Project

“Delivering Love to Prisons” Project

This project aimed to inspire and motivate the inmates to overcome adversities and value life by using the performing arts and life stories of the disabled.

A majority of the inmates made excuses and blamed others for their failings. They accused their parents of inadequate parenting, and blamed their friends for luring them into committing crimes and society for being unjust. Yet, when they saw people with disabilities demonstrating great perseverance despite their physical impairments, they saw the emptiness of their excuses.

Real-life stories from people with disabilities, therefore, can have much more of an impact than speeches or lectures given by experts and scholars. To the inmates, they served as real examples of how to overcome life’s obstacles.

AEF’s primary mission is to “spread love” and change the world for the better, which can be seen in the activities and events the foundation took part in.

This year, seven correction facilities were visited by AEF, including Taipei Prison, Yilan Prison, Tainan Military Prison, Taipei Detention Center, Taichung Women’s Prison, Taichung Detention Center and Sindian Drug Abuser Treatment Center.

“Thumbs Up for the Youth!” Volunteer Project

This is the 14th year that Jinhong Foundation has supported youth care, particularly in elementary schools and junior high schools. The project, assisted by AEF, aims to promote life education among teenagers with the talents and sharing of stories of DPAG.

3.Care for the Disadvantaged

(1)Third Annual Zhong-Xian Ni Scholarship Award

Zhong-Xian Ni Scholarship honored children of ADLINK Technology Inc. and AEF employees with outstanding academic performance. Three scholarship recipients were awarded this year.

(2)Afterschool Care and Tutoring for Children of New Immigrants

4.Awards and Recognition

(1)The book What is DPAG? Life stories of DPAG Members was listed as recommended reading material for 1-9 graders by the Information Bureau.

(2)AEF received the Group Award for Outstanding Contribution to Social Education in 2010 from the Taipei City Government.

(3)AEF was honored Best Group Award for “Caring for Life Award 2010” from the Dharma Drum Mountain Humanitarian and Social Improvement Foundation (DDMHSIF)