Community Outreach Committee

Taiwanese Heritage Society of Houston (THSH) has aimed to provide services to the diverse communities in the Greater Houston area. Through its Community Outreach Committee (COC), THSH has participated in partnerships and networks with various mainstream organizations/institutions, including the Houston Independent School District (HISD), the Alief Independent School District, YMCA, the Alliance for Multicultural Community Services (The Alliance), and the Houston Red Cross. In the past few years, THSH has provided educational information to greatly enhance the public understanding of Taiwanese culture, and brought social services to under-privileged communities. The recent activities include followings:

　

Since the year 2001, THSH has partnered with HISD and The Alliance to host the annual "Back to School Orientation" event. School supplies and uniforms are given to new refugee students; and information on school system and social matters are presented to their families

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COC has constantly invited students from neighborhood schools and after-school programs to visit the Taiwanese Community Center. During a two-hour visit, students and teachers have learned about Asian cultures, particularly that of the Taiwanese, through hands-on activities such as paper folding, puppetry, and lion dance. This cultural field trip program has also been extended to senior groups and the general public.

　

Since the year 2002, our high school volunteers have been tutoring on a weekly base for the neighboring elementary school students. Periodically, THSH volunteers are also invited to present Taiwanese culture at nearby elementary schools.

　

COC has sponsored networking gatherings for local college students, who are from Taiwan for advance education in Houston. The gatherings are conducted two or three times a year at the Taiwanese Community Center.

　

THSH has established the Community Scholarship program in the year 2002. Ten college-bound seniors have been chosen from five local public high schools, each to receive $500 award and a plaque. On June 5, 2003, THSH has hosted the first award ceremony for the scholarship recipients, their families and the school officials.