TAIWAN'S RECIPE FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
My month-long Taiwan AID fellowship was a journey that combined the exploration of indigenous culture and the learning of how to rebuild lives through creativity and care. Each day unfolded like pages in a living storybook—where every meal, every conversation, and every initiative revealed a tale of community strength and spirit.
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The fragrant aroma of leaf-wrapped rice "Abai" floated through the air as I stepped into the Kasavakan Deer Hut, a little restaurant in Taitung, a coastal city where mountains meet the Pacific on the eastern side of Taiwan. This place is not only a venue to experience local indigenous food, but also a gateway to understand Peinan culinary culture passed down through the hands of younger generations like Alicay, the creator of the "Tribal Grassland Lunch Box." Using local ingredients and traditional recipes, but served in a modern presentation, menu highlights such as "Abai"—leaf-wrapped rice with specially seasoned meat and community-sourced vegetables—perfectly blend ancient recipes with contemporary styling. Watching the cook prepare the Abai, I felt a deep connection to the cultural significance embedded in every fold of the leaf.
Photo caption: Left: Tribal Grassland Lunch Box, Right: Alicay, owner of Kasavakan Deer Hut.
This culinary journey was just one of many meaningful experiences during my time as a Taiwan AID NGO fellow, a program that connects NGO workers across Asia to foster network building and experience exchange. In 2024, I was selected as one of 15 participants and placed with Kids' Bookhouse (孩子的書屋). This exchange opened my eyes to Taiwan's advanced progress in its innovative approaches to grassroots community development and its commitment to creating protected spaces where indigenous and marginalized communities can preserve their cultural identity with dignity.
Photo caption: Fifteen 2024 Taiwan AID NGO Fellows posed with Deputy Director of American Institute in Taiwan, Jeremy Cornforth, and Deputy Minister of Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tien Chung-Kwang
A Second Home for Children
Arriving at Zhiben's train station in the late afternoon, I was warmly welcomed by Mia and Tammy, two energetic team members of Kids' Bookhouse. Zhiben, a small town in Taitung, is home to several indigenous communities, including the Kasavakan tribe to which Mia belongs. Like many towns in eastern Taiwan, Zhiben faces challenges such as limited educational resources, economic hardships, and social inequalities that leave many children vulnerable.
Photo caption: A warm welcome by Mia and Tammy at Zhiben train station.
It was here that Chen Jun-Lang, affectionately known as "Papa Chen," built his first Bookhouse in 1999, driven by the belief that with the right care and encouragement, even children neglected by society can regain their confidence and rediscover their path in life. For Mia, the impact of Kids' Bookhouse was personal—she fondly remembers Papa Chen as her first music teacher, a connection that eventually led her back to serve the next generation of children.
Photo caption: Two of the ten facilities of the Kids’ Bookhouse.
Joseph, a long-time volunteer and close friend of Papa Chen, introduced me to three Bookhouses in Zhiben, home to nine of the organization's ten facilities. With pride, he guided me through the spaces, explaining the thoughtful design and unique concept of each house. As we talked, Joseph asked if I knew the story behind the Kids’ Bookhouse logo. When I said I didn’t, he smiled and began to explain:
"The design of our logo is inspired by geometric concepts: triangles, squares, circles, and arcs," he said. "The triangle represents a home, while the square and circle symbolise the father and mother, who come and go. Yet, many of our children have only a square without a circle, or a circle without a square. A truly happy home has both—a balance of love and care. That’s what brings smiles."
Photo caption: Joseph in front of the Book House Rice Field, another facility of the Kids’ Bookhouse.
Spaces to Foster Hope and Healing
Joseph’s explanation of the logo’s deeper meaning stayed with me as I continued to explore different facets of Kids' Bookhouse's mission. Among them was the Black Kid Cafe, an ordinary-looking café with an extraordinary purpose—to give young people a chance to rebuild their lives. The name "Black Kid" reflects the challenges these youths have faced—domestic violence, lack of education, or traumatic experiences. Through their work at the café, they gain essential skills, restore hope, and reshape their futures.
Photo caption: Black Kid Café and its interior design.
The café itself tells a powerful story. Built with handcrafted black bricks painted by the youths, it symbolizes their perseverance and growth. For the construction crew who brought the café to life, the term "Black Kid" became a nickname and a form of affirmation, honouring their tireless efforts under Taitung’s burning sun. Their skin darkened to a radiant bronze hue as they poured their dedication into this dream. This collaborative process fostered teamwork, practical skills, and a profound sense of ownership. For many, it became a therapeutic journey of healing and personal development.
Standing at the café’s entrance is a Formosan black bear sculpture, representing Taiwan’s spirit—a symbol that connects to the island’s heritage. As Joseph explained, it’s a fitting symbol for a space that embodies resilience and strength.
Photo caption: A Formosan black bear sculpture standing at the café entrance.
Beyond Classroom Walls
While Black Kid Black Coffee represents one approach through entrepreneurship, another innovative space awaits nearby. Not far from the café, the Book House Rice Field stands as an award-winning design that integrates education with nature. The building, surrounded by paddy fields, reflects Kids' Bookhouse's creative approach to facilitate supportive environments.
Eason, who brought his expertise in house-building projects to Kids' Bookhouse, shared, “The farm is more than just a place to grow food. It’s part of a larger mission to give children a space where they can connect with nature, develop practical skills, and build a sense of community.”
Photo caption: Left: Eason working at the Book House Rice Field. Right: Green paddy field at the beginning of autumn.
Apart from the farm lessons that connect children with the land, Kids' Bookhouse offers diverse pathways to build confidence. I experienced this firsthand during a morning kayaking programme with I-Shun, Kids' Bookhouse's sport instructor. Paddling alongside Tammy and other teachers, I gained a glimpse into the children's perspective, where the open water becomes an unconventional classroom. Here, they learn not just the basics of navigation, but also how to overcome fears and discover their inner strength. This initiative prepares them for larger adventures—exploring Taiwan's coastline—while teaching them valuable lessons in perseverance, safety, and teamwork.
Photo caption: Left: Preparation for the kayak lesson with I-Shun. Right: Kayaks lined up for the instructor's practice session.
Waves of Connection
Kids' Bookhouse extends its nurturing ethos to music as well. I met Zhi-Yuan, Fan-Fan, and Hao-Yi, members of the Bookhouse's music team, ahead of their performance in Taitung. They shared insights about their collaborative project, The Fifth Wave—a music compilation created with children and adults from the community. The album's name holds special significance, symbolizing life's deepening challenges, much like waves growing stronger as one ventures further into the sea.
Photo caption: Members of the Bookhouse music team, from left to right:
Fan-Fan, Zhi-Yuan, and Hao-Yi.
"Each child has their own unique story and characteristics," Fan-Fan shared. "Through the process of accompanying them, I get to see all these different stories unfold, which are both wonderful and deeply moving."
By engaging in collaborative music-making, the team creates spaces where children and adults can find their voices and build emotional connections with others.
Meeting Tomorrow's Challenges
As Kids' Bookhouse approaches its 25th year, the organisation continues to adapt to meet changing community needs. Yan-Han Chen, Papa Chen's first son and the current CEO, is building upon his father's legacy while addressing contemporary challenges.
"Although the number of child cases may have decreased, issues such as education levels, poverty, and domestic violence have intensified," Yan-Han explained to me. "Additionally, the rise of social media has introduced new challenges in education, such as literacy, access to information, and maintaining focus, further complicating the educational landscape."
Photo caption: Yan-Han, Kids’Bookhouse CEO
While tackling the evolving difficulties faced by children, Kids' Bookhouse recognizes that the needs of one generation are deeply connected to those of another. A holistic approach is the foundation of its efforts, addressing not only immediate challenges but also developing long-term community resilience and well-being.
Widening the Circle of Care
To understand the expansion of service, I met Dr. Cao Zheng, a former volunteer and close collaborator with Kids' Bookhouse who manages one of the two clinics in town. He showed me around the facility and described its holistic approach to healthcare. Beyond traditional medical care, the clinic offers engaging activities for the elderly and post-hospital care for those needing close monitoring when home care isn't feasible.
Photo caption: Dr. Cao Zheng explained how the holistic approach to healthcare is implemented in the community.
During the visit, I also spoke with Kids' Bookhouse social workers and volunteers who dedicate themselves to creating a strong support system, providing not just medical assistance but also emotional companionship for the senior villagers.
Photo caption: Activities with seniors in the community.
By creating a nurturing and self-sustaining community, the organization provides comprehensive support—educational, practical, emotional, and social—while continuously innovating to adapt to its community's evolving needs.
A Legacy of Love
My placement with Kids' Bookhouse broadened my experience of the power of community-based development initiatives. What began as Papa Chen's mission to create a safe haven for children has evolved into something far greater over the past two decades—a hub that brings together people of all ages. The dedication of young people choosing to build their futures here, in their hometown, speaks to the organisation's enduring impact. As their motto reminds me: "Bring back the love, place it in your heart, and guard it well (把爱找回来，放在心中，好好守护他)."
Photo caption: My bicycle in front of the Kids' Bookhouse logo
From my first taste of Alicay's Abai at Kasavakan Deer Hut to my final evening with the Kids' Bookhouse team, I witnessed how different forms of care shape a community. Through conversations with staff members, volunteers, and community members, I saw how individual passions—whether for music, sports, education, or cultural preservation—come together to create something extraordinary.
Like the diverse ingredients that make up a perfect Abai, it's the unique contribution of each person that makes this region thrive. Their collective energy showed me that community building happens through countless small actions, taken day after day. Returning home, I carry with me not just memories but possibilities—knowing that positive change can start with simple steps, taken right where we are.
Photo caption: Landscape of the Taitung region.
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Byline:
Wanweena Tangsathianraphap
Communication Advisor at Diakonia, a Swedish NGO dedicated to promoting democracy, human rights, social and economic justice, and gender equality worldwide. A lifelong learner with a passion for nature, culture, and social diversity.