Experience the folk culture of Xisanliao Village

CODE: VYA-2603XS

* For Accommodation, CV = Cooked by Volunteers MP = Meals are provided.
SB! = Sleeping Bag is necessary/ SBN = Sleeping Bag is Not necessary

Xisanliao Community is situated in Taichung City, in close proximity to Da-Du mountain. Although not located in the countryside, the community retains its rural charm with approximately 60 percent of the residents engaged in farming activities, predominantly cultivating crops such as wheat, rice, and other grains. Over the past decade, the establishment of the Central Taiwan Science Park adjacent to our community has prompted many young individuals to return to their roots.

Adding to the unique features of our community, Taichung International Airport, which was once the largest air force base in the Far East during the 1960s, is situated nearby. Additionally, there is a Japanese school within our community, enriching the cultural diversity of our surroundings. By embracing this diverse range of cultures, we aspire to create a thriving and cohesive Xiu-Shan Community for all its residents.

Aims:
1. Preservation Lion Head culture: During the workcamp, volunteers will make their own lion head and painting. The lion head is an indispensable part of the traditional lion dance performance in Xiushan community. We believe that through hands-on participation in this activity, our community can transform into a vibrant folk art village, promoting our rich cultural heritage.

2. Community Health promotion: Participate in community senior care service activities, with international volunteers leading seniors in health promotion activities (three days a week) to encourage seniors to leave their homes and enjoy their golden years.

3. Encourage youth engagement in local activities: We hope that by having international volunteers participate in community activities, we can make community youth more interested in participating in community activities, have the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with international youth, and understand cultural diversity.

W:
1. To encourage seniors to participate in community activities and attract them to participate in various community events, the community organizes senior care and support activities, health promotion activities, and cultural and artistic exchange activities five days a week. Volunteers will assist in arranging these activities and facilitating cultural exchanges with local seniors.
2. By experiencing and creating traditional handicrafts such as Songjiang lion head performances, lion head painting, and Ghost Festival rituals, international youth can learn about the local community's traditional culture, thereby protecting and promoting these cultures.
3. To protect the community's important cultural heritage and to take this opportunity to promote and exchange it, this project will invite community kung fu masters, local arts instructors, and craft experts to organize a series of community cultural activities. During the activities, international volunteers can create and paint lion heads in various styles, and experience Songjiang lion dance performances, Guanjiang hand gestures, and Bajiajiang facial mask painting.

4. The event will also facilitate multicultural exchange, as there are Japanese international schools and indigenous schools nearby. International cultural exchanges will take place with them during the event.
5. 60% of the community members are engaged in farming. During the program, international volunteers will also experience farming, weeding in the fields, learning about Taiwan's summer seasonal fruits and vegetables and harvesting, and cooking vegetable dishes to share with the community's elderly.
6. Assisting in the maintenance of the community garden and surrounding environment, including trail maintenance, weeding, and fruit tree maintenance.

AD:
The accommodation is located inside a community activity center, with people sleeping on the floor, and can accommodate 20-30 people. Participants must bring their own toiletries and sleeping bags. The area has bathroom facilities and a kitchen. Three meals a day will be provided by the community, with support by participants or provided by the community host. There will be an international cultural night during the event, where volunteers can prepare international dishes to share with everyone.

L: 428 台中市大雅區十三寮活動中心 428 臺中市大雅區平和南路 188 巷
Taichung City, Taoya District, near Taichung (Ching Chuan Kang) International Airport, about 15 minutes by car. I t is about a 20-30 minutes drive from downtown Taichung.

Google Map Website: 428 Taichung District, Taichung City Xiushanli Activity Center
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EJCbkadRGwQLQAUY9
Meeting point: TRA Taichung Station (台中火車站). First Day at around 1400-1600PM
No.1, Sec. 1, Taiwan Blvd., Central Dist., Taichung City 400, Taiwan
※We will manage to pick you up from Taichung train station to our workcamp site by vans.

T:
1) Taoyuan International Airport. Take bus or train to Taichung City, then transfer to CityBus to Taichung City Xiushan community

2) Taichung (Ching Chuan Kang) International Airport, take local bus to Taichung City Daya District Xiushan community about (CityBus about 10-15 minutes).

LA:
1) Close to Taichung Metropolitan park (about 30 minutes by Bike)
2) Community Bicycle trail (Tan-Ya-Shen) links to Tanzi District about 10 km and 3 hours back and forth. (
3) Fengjia sightseeing night market

SR:
1) Enjoy learning about different cultures, have a strong interest in learning, and respect local cultures

e2) Volunteers are encouraged to bring traditional children's toys and traditional clothing to share with the local community.

3) Volunteers are encouraged to bring small items for cultural exchange, such as music, dances, cultural performances, or introductions of their country's culture to interact with the community.

4) Volunteers are advised to bring approximately 10 small souvenirs from the country, such as small cards, trinkets, and local snacks, to interact with the locals on the cultural exchange events.

PF:
1. There is no participation fee for this program. We will cover the costs of accommodation, meals, and all activity materials. However, please note that you are responsible for your own transportation to the meeting point and any personal expenses.

2. Basic insurance will be provided during project period, but we strongly recommend that you purchase overseas travel insurance covering the entire trip.

3. There will be one or two rest day (free day) during the planning period.; please note that you are responsible for all expenses related to activities and meals on free day.