Kaohsiung City Government and Social Welfare Charity Association Join Hands to Support 163 Underprivileged Students with NT$1.63 Million in Scholarships

To support students from economically disadvantaged families in maintaining stable access to education, the Social Welfare Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government, together with the Kaohsiung Social Welfare Charity Association, held the 'Dream Support – Next Generation Hope Project' scholarship award ceremony today (19th). By mobilizing support from enterprises, civic groups, and generous individuals, a total of NT$1.63 million in scholarships was awarded to 163 students for the first semester of the 115th academic year, alleviating household education expenses and enabling underprivileged students to focus on their studies and confidently pursue their dreams.

Over the past 22 years, the project has cumulatively supported 5,445 individuals, disbursing over NT$51.76 million in scholarships. During the event, the story of student Xiao-Hua was shared. After Xiao-Hua's father passed away due to illness, the family lost its primary source of income. His mother supports the household through temporary work while covering tuition and living expenses for both Xiao-Hua and his younger sister. Despite this sudden hardship, Xiao-Hua has persevered in his studies. With the support of the scholarship, he has been able to reduce financial pressure and focus more on academics, aspiring to complete his university education and help lighten his mother's burden as soon as possible.

Li Zhao-Yang, Chairman of the Kaohsiung Social Welfare Charity Association, stated that the 'Dream Support – Next Generation Hope Project' has been running for 22 years since 2004. By consistently uniting government agencies, businesses, civic organizations, and kind-hearted individuals, the project has, as of the first semester of the 115th academic year, cumulatively assisted 5,445 individuals and distributed NT$51,767,200 in scholarships. The association will continue to support more economically disadvantaged students in their stable pursuit of education, building hope for children's futures.

Tsai Wan-Fen, Director of the Kaohsiung City Social Welfare Bureau, expressed gratitude to the Social Welfare Charity Association and all sponsoring organizations for their long-term support in caring for underprivileged children and youth. She emphasized that in addition to integrating civil resources into scholarship programs, the city government continues to implement empowerment initiatives such as youth independence support, financial literacy education, and employment readiness training. It also promotes the 'Children and Youth Future Education and Development Account' to help underprivileged youth accumulate capabilities and resources, enhancing their future competitiveness.

Director Tsai encouraged the scholarship recipients, noting that challenges are inevitable on the path of education, but every effort and persistence will become nourishment for future growth. She urged students to cherish the support from all sectors of society, continue advancing toward their dreams, and, when capable, pass on this kindness to help others in need.