2024.11.15
Yi-Jou and Wang Chun, both first-year students from the Department of Special Education at National Dong Hwa University, come from different backgrounds but share a common passion for supporting children with hearing loss. This shared commitment brought them together as volunteers at the Children’s Hearing Foundation’s Hualien service center.
Yi-Jou’s motivation comes from her younger sister, who was diagnosed with hearing loss only after starting kindergarten. Growing up, Yi-Jou witnessed her mother’s anxiety and her sister’s development journey with the support of Children’s Hearing Foundation (CHF). These experiences gave her a deep understanding of how much care children with hearing loss require. Even while studying far from home in Hualien, she proactively reached out to the Foundation to offer her time and care as a volunteer.
Wang Chun, on the other hand, developed an interest in the world of hearing loss after a family member began experiencing hearing difficulties in their later years. When invited by Yi-Jou to join the volunteer team, she accepted without hesitation. Now, both of them volunteer together, learning how to step into the children’s world and accompany them with love and patience, becoming part of a growing circle of support.
Growing Through Genuine Companionship
Hualien is known for its mountains, typhoons, and earthquakes—and for being the longest county by land area in Taiwan. To get from their university to the CHF service center in the city, the students must take a train or bus over 30 minutes. On their first volunteer day, they carried their bikes onto the train and headed out excitedly. The physical exhaustion was far outweighed by their anticipation to serve.
Upon arrival, they helped clean the center and soon met the first family they would assist: parents visiting with their youngest son, who has hearing loss, and two older brothers in tow due to the lack of other caregivers at home. The presence of volunteers immediately lightened the atmosphere and brought laughter to the waiting room.
Through their interactions, Yi-Jou and Wang Chun discovered each child’s distinct personality. The eldest enjoyed math but had mixed feelings about English; the second was lively and couldn’t sit still; and the youngest, though still developing expressive skills due to hearing loss, used play—“cooking” toy meals—to show his affection.
The little brother who loved pretend-cooking shared his “food” with Yi-Jou.
Wang Chun shared that the experience wasn’t always smooth. At first, the children were deeply attached to electronic devices and reluctant to engage. Still, the volunteers gently encouraged them to try hands-on games and share stories about their families. Over time, the kids gradually shifted from screen time to real-life interaction and play.
Wang Chun guided the children away from digital distractions and back toward meaningful human connection.
During their sessions, the three brothers often showed affection through gestures and words. When the youngest couldn’t respond due to hearing difficulties, the eldest would step in with a big hug. This touching scene reminded Yi-Jou of her time living with her sister. Sharing a room, she often wanted to chat after lights-out, but the dim lighting and her sister’s hearing loss made communication difficult. She would raise her voice to be heard, only to be hushed by their mom reminding them it was bedtime. Laughing at the memory, she reflected on the deep bond and the importance of patient companionship.
Take It Slow—And Let Love Grow
At the end of the interview, Yi-Jou said,“Slow is fast. Don’t rush.” This motto has become her guiding principle, not only in volunteering but in life. She hopes to inspire others to understand that growth—whether in speech development for children with hearing loss or within families—is a process that takes time, presence, and patience.
Wang Chun expressed deep gratitude to Yi-Jou and the other volunteers. Before this experience, she couldn’t have imagined the quiet power of such selfless giving. Now, she’s learned that even a small act of sincere companionship can carry warmth that reaches far and wide.
It is through wholehearted companionship that both children and volunteers experience true inner growth.
Join the Circle of Love
These children need your support to grow. Whether through volunteering or donating, your involvement makes a difference. Let us take this journey with love, at a steady pace—together helping children grow stronger, one step at a time.
