Most young people from rural Taiwan move to the cities to seek jobs. One result is a shortage of teachers in rural schools, as the cities beckon to qualified educators. In Nantou County, one elementary school is working to reverse this brain drain, using young people to fill in the gaps.
Lwo-Na Elementary School is celebrating the end of the semester. This school is taking part in an education ministry program to encourage people between the ages of 18 and 35 to teach special skills in rural areas.
A pair of designers has made good use of the local oyster industry, teaching children how to turn oyster shells into art projects or wind chimes. Meanwhile a young baker has taught the kids how to make simple desserts.
The students say this program has given them a range of experiences simply not offered in the conventional curriculum.
The education ministry hopes that next year will see more young people going to remote schools and bringing local children fresh inspiration.