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National University of Kaohsiung and Shu-Te University jointly formed the "Indigenous Culture Exchange Activities of Austronesian Culture" delegation.

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【Translator: Zhi-Yu Yang】

【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】

Quality Education Partnerships for the Goals

2023-07-31 On July 31st, 2023, the National University of Kaohsiung and Shu-Te University organized a joint team of indigenous students and teachers. This team visited the Philippines to learn from the local government, industry, and academia about their efforts in cultural preservation, experiences, and development. The delegation also promoted the unique

characteristics of Taiwan's indigenous cultures. During this visit, they also received a promise from Junard "Ahong" Q. Chan, the mayor of Lapu-Lapu, Cebu, to help connect sister schools with the University of Cebu.

The "Indigenous Culture Exchange Activities of Austronesian Culture" activity was supported by the Short-term Mobility Program of the Office of International Affairs at NUK. The teams from both universities started planning and training in April, with the official visit commencing on June 26 and concluding on July 2. Spanning over three months, the group of 11 members included representatives from various indigenous tribes such as Paiwan, Atayal, Amis, Bunun, and individuals of Han Chinese who share a strong passion for indigenous culture.

During their exchange in the Philippines, the students and teachers enthusiastically showcased various aspects of Taiwan's indigenous culture,

including traditional dances and crafts. Their efforts resonated with local high school students and community members, fostering connections between people of the same Austronesian linguistic family. This cultural exchange attracted attention and created a warm and friendly atmosphere between the two island nations.

The participating students had a profound realization of the importance of English speaking and communication skills. Through the interaction process, they understood the diverse richness of Austronesian Island cultures. They witnessed the efforts of the local indigenous people to actively develop their characteristics and combine life and economy, which is worth learning from, and even referring to life planning and returning to their hometowns for employment. For instance, the students embarked on cultural heritage tours in Cebu, deepening their understanding of local traditions through visits to communities such as the Badjao and Aeti tribes. These visits allowed them to systematically explore various aspects of local cultures, including food, clothing, housing, rituals, and traditional dances.

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#SDG4 #SDG17  

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