Not Just Participation, But Voice! Fubon Cultural & Educational Foundation Joins Forces with Moms to 'Take Over' Ketagalan Boulevard Again

Climate change and environmental sustainability, child-friendly cities, and sports equity—these may seem like adult public issues, but they are deeply connected to children's daily lives. Extreme weather affecting daily routines, the safety and accessibility of urban spaces, and whether children of all backgrounds can freely run and play—all are challenges children face every day. As Taiwan strives toward a better future, we must pause and re-examine our cities through children's eyes, listening to their true feelings and aspirations.

A Child-Centered Public Initiative: Big FUN Ketagalan

In October 2024, a coalition of mothers and civic groups advocating for children's rights launched 'Big FUN Ketagalan' on Ketagalan Boulevard for the first time, bringing children's presence and voices into a space traditionally reserved for political and public discourse. On September 19, 2024, the Fubon Cultural & Educational Foundation, alongside these mothers, will once again 'take over' the boulevard with 'Big FUN Ketagalan 2026,' continuing this child-led public initiative.

This time, children are not just participants—they will ask questions, explore, express themselves, and even create. Through a series of activities, children will step into public spaces, while adults gain the opportunity to rediscover the world through children's perspectives.

Chen Ai-Ling, Executive Director of the Fubon Cultural & Educational Foundation, emphasized, 'Listening to children's voices is a necessary lesson for us adults.' She believes public participation doesn't have to start with grand issues; it can begin with small, everyday matters, allowing children to practice expression and engagement, gradually shaping their own future.

Chen Ai-Ling revealed the most popular roles children want to interview inside the Presidential Office: President/Vice President, security personnel, chefs, military police, and secretaries.

Inside the Presidential Office: Who Do Children Most Want to Interview?

The 'Big FUN Ketagalan 2026' event spans both the Presidential Office and Ketagalan Boulevard, divided into indoor and outdoor zones. Starting from children's curiosity, the indoor area transforms them into junior reporters, while the outdoor space empowers them to become creators through audiovisual expression.

Inside the Presidential Office, the Fubon Cultural & Educational Foundation has set up a press center featuring 'Who Will I Meet Today?'—inviting children to submit 'Who in the Presidential Office I Most Want to Interview,' along with their questions. An online call for questions ran for one week prior, receiving numerous submissions that revealed children's rich curiosity about the Presidential Office and public affairs.

'Who are children most eager to ask, and what do they want to know?' Chen shared that after voting, the top five most popular roles were: President/Vice President, special security/protective staff, chefs, military police, and secretaries. On September 19, children will enter the Presidential Office press center to directly question staff, turning imagined scenarios into real interview experiences.

The children's questions are truly fascinating. One asked a military police officer: 'What's the most outrageous thing a passerby has ever done to you?' Another, curious about the President's meals, asked a chef: 'Does someone have to taste the President's food for poison?' A child asked a secretary: 'How can I call the President?' While seemingly innocent, these questions reflect how children understand the world and explore different professions.

Outside on Ketagalan Boulevard, the Fubon Cultural & Educational Foundation focuses on the importance of media, setting up an outdoor cinema to screen quality audiovisual works and a mobile recording studio where children can leave 'One Message to Earth.'

Building a Kinder Future from a Child's Perspective

Whether asking questions of Presidential Office staff or speaking their 'One Message to Earth' on Ketagalan Boulevard, these seemingly simple actions are actually the starting point of children's civic engagement. When children know their questions are answered and their thoughts are heard, they gradually believe they can participate in society and even make life better.

Therefore, when facing critical public issues affecting the next generation, what we need may not be to rush in and decide answers for children, but first to make space and listen to their thoughts. By truly hearing children's voices, we are building a kinder, more participatory future for the next generation.

2024 Big FUN Ketagalan Video Link: https://youtu.be/gGpbHz0u5-s

[Big FUN Ketagalan 2026] Event Information Date: September 19 (Saturday) Location: Presidential Office and Ketagalan Boulevard, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City Time: Presidential Office area opens at 9:00 AM; Ketagalan Boulevard and North Plaza open at 10:00 AM Event Website: https://www.kidsdafun.com/ (Multiple free activities open for registration)