After being severely struck by Typhoon Danas, National Chung Cheng University (CCU) suffered extensive damage to its facilities and campus environment. To accelerate post-disaster reconstruction, Tzu Chi University (TCU) responded to the Tzu Chi Foundation’s call for assistance by organizing a group of 57 international students from Taitung to travel to CCU between July 15 to 17. Their hands-on volunteer work in campus cleanup and repair demonstrated youth compassion, global citizenship, and the strong bond of inter-university cooperation.

On July 16, Tzu Chi’s international student volunteers were joined by nearly 100 members of CCU’s College of Humanities, including faculty, staff, and students, joined in a joint cleanup effort around the college’s buildings. Professor Li-Sung Liu, Chair of the Department of Communications Engineering in the College of Engineering, also mobilized his students to assist, embodying the spirit of interdisciplinary teamwork and solidarity.

Professor Yu-Hsun Yang, Dean of the College of Humanities, noted, “This is the most severe damage our college has faced in more than a decade.” He explained that the tall Palimara Alstonia (devil trees or scholar trees) behind the college, many of which are over four stories tall, had their branches snapped during the storm, crashing down onto faculty offices and campus facilities. Thanks to the swift and collective efforts of CCU faculty, students, and volunteers, recovery has advanced efficiently, giving the university precious time to prepare for the upcoming academic semester.

Dr. Yu-Ming Kuo, Director of Global Affairs at Tzu Chi University, explained that many of the participating students came from African nations, such as Zimbabwe and Mozambique. “This is not only a hands-on service effort,” he said, “but also a meaningful practice of global vision and social engagement.” Earlier this year, CCU and TCU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote academic collaboration and course exchanges between the two universities. This joint disaster-recovery action serves as a concrete extension of that partnership, deepening the cooperative relationship. 

A freshman from Mozambique, studying in TCU’s Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, shared, “We learned that CCU suffered serious damage from the typhoon, and we’re grateful for the chance to help. Seeing so many Tzu Chi members work together made me realize how love can truly make the world brighter.” Zien, a volunteer from South Africa, added, “When our teacher told us that CCU needed help, I felt that coming here wasn’t only about helping others, it was also about learning how to face disasters and support each other.” Dr. Kuo, who is also an alumnus of CCU’s Ph.D. program in Business Administration, emphasized that returning to his alma mater with his students carried deep meaning. “This effort is more than physical labor; it is also a cross-cultural exchange and an act of experiential learning,” he said.

National Chung Cheng University noted that this collaboration aligns with its ongoing commitment to the University Social Responsibility (USR) initiative, reflecting its mission of connecting education with community service. CCU expressed heartfelt gratitude to Tzu Chi University, the Tzu Chi Foundation, and all participating volunteers for their dedication and compassion. Their joint effort has accelerated campus recovery and created a better learning environment for students returning for the new semester.