Chiayi's 'Hometown 100 Questions 2.0' Launched: Magistrate Weng Hopes to Foster Children's Love for Their Land

Before children grow up and leave their hometowns, do they truly understand the land beneath their feet?

On the 23rd, Chiayi County Government held the launch event for 'Hometown 100 Questions 2.0.' County Magistrate Weng Zhangliang, along with township mayors, legislators, school principals, and education professionals, jointly witnessed the comprehensive upgrade of local teaching materials. The complete curriculum integrates local history, natural environment, food and agricultural education, and living culture, guiding students to rediscover Chiayi through a series of thoughtful questions.

From Textbooks to Hometown: Children Become Local Detectives

'Hometown 100 Questions' originates from Chiayi County's Innovation in Education White Paper, centered on understanding one's hometown. It encourages students to conduct field investigations, interview elders, and collect local stories. Teaching methods also incorporate digital presentations, the PaGamO knowledge platform, and micro-film production, enabling children not only to memorize answers but also to transform their research findings into creative works, practicing questioning, exploration, and expression.

Building on the success of the first edition, the county government launched the 2.0 compilation project in 2024 (Year 113), updating content and enhancing interdisciplinary integration, inquiry-based learning, and competency-oriented design based on frontline teacher feedback. At the press conference, Magistrate Weng presented certificates of appreciation to education partners involved in data collection, content writing, video documentation, review, and promotion.

Fostering Memory and Identity Before Children Leave Home

Magistrate Weng candidly admitted that many children in Chiayi County eventually leave their hometowns after growing up, making it essential to cultivate their knowledge, memories, and emotional connection to the land through education. He stated that if young people see no change in their local area, they will only think about how to leave. However, as Chiayi begins to see new industries and development opportunities, children can begin to imagine a future where they, too, can live and thrive here.

Facing challenges such as declining birthrates, population loss, and the magnetic pull of surrounding cities, the county government has recently positioned Taibao as a new development hub, advancing technology, drone, agro-industrial, and consumer service industries. Magistrate Weng emphasized that Chiayi will undergo significant changes in the next decade and hopes students will grow up understanding their hometown and contemplating what they can contribute to it.

Cross-School Team接力 Compilation: Preserving Chiayi's Precious Memories

The project was driven by Education Department Director Li Meihua's team. Luktsao Elementary School Principal Chen Zhenxing participated in the planning, editing, and promotion of both editions. A professional team composed of National Chiayi University emeritus professor Lin Jing, along with educators Jiang Lianjun, Li Rongshan, Wang Jingwen, Lu Qifu, and Chen Zhenxing, dedicated themselves to content writing, guidance, and review.

The county government hopes 'Hometown 100 Questions 2.0' will not only serve as classroom material but also become an entry point for children to understand their communities. Each question should lead them into neighborhoods, connect them with people, and ultimately help them find their own bond with their hometown.