Guests and participants took a picture together during the opening ceremony of KPL’s Youth American Culture Winter Camp, capturing the treasured memory on film.

During her opening remarks, KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee encouraged youths to actively participate in library events and utilize diverse learning platforms to connect themselves to the world and broaden their international perspectives.

【Reported from Kaohsiung】In collaboration with the Kaohsiung Branch Office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the Kaohsiung Public Library (KPL) organized the Youth American Culture Camp during the winter vacation. The Cishan Branch Library hosted the camp for the first time from January 23 to 24. 34 students from 10 elementary schools across Cishan and Meinong districts participated in the event. The camp features a full English immersive learning environment, covering various topics such as U.S. culture, challenges in the digital age, and international exchange, enabling participants to broaden their global perspectives.

The camp began with an opening ceremony on January 23, attended by representatives from local governments and schools. Mr. Nelson Wen, a Public Affairs Officer at AIT’s Kaohsiung Branch Office, took to the stage during the ceremony to speak about AI applications and the importance of identifying authentic information. After introducing AIT’s operations, he ended his speech by encouraging students to open their hearts and minds in the face of challenges brought about by the digital era.

According to KPL Director Chin-Yang Lee, this year’s Youth American Culture Camp combined language learning with cultural exchange. Participants were also given opportunities to deliver speeches about the characteristics of Cishan in English, giving students opportunities to learn through practice. KPL already has plans to continue holding similar events, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas while enabling youths to connect with the world through library resources.

The camp was initially planned and proposed by the HESS Educational Foundation of the Ministry of Education’s Lifelong Education and Learning Circle. For two days, participants attended classes taught by international experts, where they learned about American historical figures, popular youth cultures, and the differences between Asian and American cultures. Delivering speeches on Cishan in English further helped students enhance their skills. Participants expressed their joy at the interesting activities held during the camp which have allowed them to strengthen their English proficiency while broadening their perspectives on international cultures.

The Youth American Culture Camp was previously held in Mituo and Gangshan. The event has always garnered positive feedback. Having this year’s camp held in Cishan for the first time is a strong demonstration of the organizers’ desire to help students living in rural areas and their dedication to promoting teaching resources and ensuring the balanced development of education in both urban and rural areas. KPL is committed to continue organizing international education and cultural exchange in the future, positioning itself as a companion for youths as they explore a bigger and wider world.