Chiayi County Celebrates First Joint Public Daycare Graduation and Child Welfare Empowerment Showcase

On August 1, Chiayi County held its first joint graduation ceremony for public infant‑care centers and community childcare homes. Ninety children and their parents attended as County Magistrate Weng Zhangliang led the graduates through a symbolic "Smart Gate" and, together with Social Affairs Director Zhang Cuiyao, rang a "wisdom gong" to mark the transition to the next stage of learning. The county currently operates six community childcare homes and three infant‑care centers, with plans to expand to fifteen sites and serve up to 500 children.

The same day, the Chiayi Family Care Center presented the results of its "Big Hand Holding Small Hand" empowerment program. About 100 children, teenagers, college students and parents participated in performances, exhibitions and interactive booths that highlighted a year of learning across four initiatives, including child education, teen empowerment, self‑reliance activities and an African drum troupe. Director Shen Mingyan emphasized the program’s role in building confidence and supporting families, and participants received certificates of completion.