Sprouting Dream | Sponsor a Child in Taiwan

The Lack of Resources

Widening income gap has disadvantaged children who are growing up in developing rural areas, which are often a distance from the more developed urban areas. This has resulted in less access to equal opportunities for these children. Their parents are often spending long hours at labour-intensive work, and it is difficult for them to spend sufficient and quality time in nurturing their children. Furthermore, very few educators are willing to travel to such rural areas to teach. Even though these children have interest and talent in certain areas, their circumstances do not allow for them to unleash their potentials, hence hindering their growth and development.

A Chance at Learning

Jim is growing up in a skip-generation family with his grandmother and elder brother. Due to such unfavourable circumstances, it is expected for Jim to receive little encouragement and discipline at home. This has resulted in the lack of self-confidence in the aspects of both academic and personal growth. The Mustard Seed Mission has been channeling both human and financial resources into art lessons, which aim to help children to discover more about their talents and to understand themselves better, in hopes of increasing the self-confidence of these children through building their artistic capabilities.

Learning for Life

Learning to draw is not simply developing the artistic talent of a child, it is also a way to keep these children company. Art is an enabler, which helps children to express their inner thoughts. With the patience and guidance of the art teacher, Jim was able to develop a sense of accomplishment which in turn enhanced his self-esteem. He was able to enjoy every moment of the art lessons as he had a conducive environment to learn and complete his artwork. This has resulted in a more positive learning attitude in school and an improvement in his academic results. At the same time, he was able to express himself more confidently through art, which has allowed more of his peers to know and understand him better.

During the learning process, it is inevitable for children to meet certain obstacles. They are encouraged to overcome these challenges themselves as it helps to build resilience. Through such experiences, these children become more courageous in facing their own shortcomings. In addition, these art lessons have taught them more about interacting with others as well as to learn more about themselves. In time to come, these children will be able to discover and build on their strengths, which will help develop their self-confidence and enhance their cognitive ability. 

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*Challenge Camp - Help community underprivileged children in Taiwan are able to have the chance to see and learn more!

*Sprout Up Project - Help Vulnerable Children’s Life Have Bright Future.

*Diversified Learning Project for Children- Help Children in Agape Children’s Home and Mustard Seed Youth Home are able to explore more through learning.

*End Hunger  - Build a Food Bank Distribution Center - Sharing food to community needy people and families!  

*Fly High! Empower Disadvantaged children in Taiwan

*Indonesia Tsunami Post-Disaster Recover Project

The Mustard Seed Mission

Website: http://www.mustard.org.tw/locale/en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mustard.tw/
Donation Information: https://www.mustard.org.tw/locale/en/tab/898
E-Newsletter: https://goo.gl/e8EUBo
MSM - the 1st registered Social Welfare Organization in Taiwan -  https://youtu.be/qyTAv0L5Sz0

I am a social worker in the Mustard Seed Mission. After working here, the biggest change is that I start to value family and living environment seriously.

The impact of the mother's death

Miao's case impressed me the most. She studied in the 3rd grade in elementary school. She was close to her mother, but her mother passed away last year. It was hard for Miao to accept the tragedy. She missed her mother a lot. 

Miao's father is a manual worker and seldom goes home because he has to work in other cities; besides, Miao's eldest siblings also study in other cities. In her hometown, her sixth-grade elder brother and her live in a budokan which belongs to a friend of Miao's father. Her father gives living expense every month and asks his friend to take care of his two children. The father and his children are in a good relationship although they cannot meet often. He always tries his best to spare some time to meet them. 

Environment Full of Love and Security

Miao is skinny and always eats junk foods. She feels insecure without her parents' accompany, so she stays with her brother everyday. She is introverted. With my accompany and hand-written letters from her sponsor, Miao realized that even though her parents are not beside her, there is still someone who cares about her and loves her in the world and it makes her feel like she is a loved one. 

Miao seems to gradually realize that there are many people caring about her, so she wears a smile on her face more often and also be more extroverted. Miao comes and shares with me that she hopes she can help others like what we are doing to her now.

Every time, I am so touched after visiting our sponsored children's families. I want to share to children who encounter difficulties, “Don't let the bad situation make you frustrated. There is still someone willing to give you a hand. When you grow up, hope that you can help others!"

This project is to provide immediate and holistic support to needy families in the community. Through the program of talent learning and self-affirmation growth camps, financial assistance, and various multi-service programs, we aim to provide more opportunities for vulnerable children or youth to learn and well-develop!

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