The commencement program at the Good Shepherd Learning School for Dropouts (Taipei) was held successfully last June 8. Together with the parents and teachers, the students tried to recall and shared memories of their growing up this semester through graffiti drawn on the wall, performance and a video review. Making learning more difficult was due to the pandemic and also, the number of days of classes every week was increased to three days from the usual two days so the social workers at Good Shepherd had to constantly think of plans for the course, search for a venue, contact the lecturer and others, doing their best to let the children gain the most at the learning school. Good Shepherd Learning School for Dropouts (Taipei) Director Wu Jin-Yun says: “This group of children is very special. I feel so touched to see them exerting effort in their own way to express these precious characteristics.”

To allow the children to encounter more kinds of challenges and to let them be aware that various careers are not built overnight, several new courses were offered this semester like tattoo culture, hairdressing and others not having been offered before. One minute on stage takes ten years of practice off the stage, just like tattooing needs continuous practice on drawing techniques. One of the children learned to play the piano from zero. She played on the piano during classes. She played the piano after classes and when she went home, she wanted to continue to practice on the piano. There as, her mother bought a piano especially for her and thus she continued to practice playing on the piano by herself. During the commencement program, she played 「知足」(Contentment) by MayDay Music Band, starting with single notes slowly till both hands were playing on the piano keys. She did not even need to look at the piano sheet music for the whole song. The mother of the child, the social workers and the teachers were deeply impressed with her improvement and the song especially touched their hearts.

“Freestyle basketball” was also one of the highlights of the commencement program. Xiao Niu and Xiao Chi spent a lot of time cultivating the feelings for basketball and combined music, dancing and skills on playing ball. Watching the players’ physical bodies move to the tempo of the music earned a lot of uproar from the audience. This was the first time the children performed, yet exuding lots of confidence and giving the best interpretation of performing arts.

After the children learned hairdressing, they helped to braid the hair of the teachers joining the commencement program. Although the course was just a few months, but you can see that the children were serious, not only studying hard while in school but daring enough to add in their own creative ideas. What could not be presented onsite were compiled into a colorful video where you can see the children concentrated in learning catering, preparing drinks, coffee and dessert. There also was the exciting Rubik’s cube, boxing and various ball games where you can see the students sweating it out and showing their youthful explosiveness.

The awards presented on that day represented the special trait of each student: “Consistency Award”, “Forever Sweet Award”, “Quiet but Impressive Award”, “The Best Daughter Award”, “Sisterly Award”, “Happy Award”, “Cordiality Award”, “Shining Award”. Some children wanted to make others happy, some were always helping to clean up quietly and throw the trash. Some were helping new members to be part of the happy Good Shepherd Learning School for Dropouts (Taipei) … and just like what the video says: “May be sad, may be reluctant but please cheer up anyway, memories of the past will always be there as long as you do not forget them.”

At the end of the commencement program, Good Shepherd Learning School for Dropouts (Taipei) wants to tell the children: “Be your own sun bringing warmth to your own self. Your story shall go on. Wishing you all good luck on this journey ahead. Enjoy your life and thank you to all parents and teachers who have participated in the activity. These are the best encouragement giving confidence to the children.”