【LOCAL LEARNING TOUR IN JIADON - READING, WRITING AND CREATIVE EXPRESSION】
by Annie Liu

Educational tourism or edutourism is an excellent opportunity for learning beyond the classroom while being immersed in a culture and forging lasting relationships with local community. In addtional to formal learning in the campus environment, the action plan, Rural Reading, engage students in the educational learning tour of Jiadong community. 

By collaborating with the local organization, Cultural and Historical Education Association of Jiadong County (茄冬文史協會), the team invited Mr. Yang, the director of Cultural and Historical Education Association of Jiadong County, and Mr. Hsieh, a veteran tour guide of Jiadong, to give a holistic introduction of its local history and culture. The majority  popuplation of Jiadong county consists of the Hakka people, therefore, the community possesses multiple Hakka characteristics and heritage. Numerous old-style residences are found in the Jiadong, include: Yang Anscetral Shrine and Shiaou Ancient Hakka homes. Jiadong also maintains Hakka religious calebrations and cultural festivities in the recent days. 

SUZAKU PIONEER Project extend its branches of education activities with the field by gradually holding learning events, looking forward for more interaction with the communities and provide not only the teaching program or materials for remote areas, but also the practical volunteer activities and educational tours for students to get involved in contributing to the community.