Learning entrepreneurial knowledge at the Taichung Dongshi Forest Garden. The first “Yunus Camp” had great success.

The Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan held the first “Yunus Camp” at the Taichung Dongshi Forest Garden from the 14th to the 16th of January, which invited nearly 50 college students to experience outdoor camping and learn great knowledge about entrepreneurship. During the three days, the Foundation of Yunus Social Business Taiwan invited 10 professional entrepreneurs/lecturers to share their innovative ideas, entrepreneurship and how to promote and execute social welfare, which was well received by the students. Professor Muhammad Yunus, the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, also gave his sincere recognition and encouragement to all participants through his video. Philippa Tsai, President of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan indicated that the purpose of inviting students to the Dongshi Forest Garden is to enhance students to create innovative and entrepreneurial ideas in different environments. “We highly appreciate the Founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), Mr. Terry Kuo, for his strong support of promoting Yunus's missions since the East Asian Conference in 2019. He hopes the youth can utilize the precious resources to bring positive impacts to society”, said President Tsai. At the Yunus camp, President Tsai presented the “2023 Yunus Youth Ambassador” medal and a letter of appointment to Dr. Shen Hsin-Ling, which was approved by the board of directors of the Foundation. "We should not complain, but always keep "hopes" instead," said Dr. Shen. Some of the students have been inspired by her speech since they were in junior high school and prepared to step into public welfare activities. Those students were very happy to see Dr. Shen in person at this event. Juno Wang, CEO of the Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan said, “This time, we integrated Grameen Bank’s model of loan into the camp and allowed students to discuss in a group of five. Each group had to complete a social business proposal, which should conclude a repayment plan.” In addition, Mr. Mostafezur Rahaman, head of “the 3Zero Club” in Bangladesh, was invited to present the 3Zero international plan online. Mr. Rohaman and Professor Yunus also received several event photos and interesting photos behind the scenes in time, which were highly valued by them. “We hope that in the future, more young people will engage in social innovation and solve social and environmental problems through social business”, said Juno. Furthermore, we gathered a group of outstanding lecturers to the Yunus Camp, including the founder of Social AED, Lin Shao-Wei, CEO of “The Kids from Lukang”, Zhang Jing-Ye, chief of “Hondao Senior Citizen’s Welfare Foundation, Chen Zhi-Ting, CEO of “Slow Growing”, Wang Li-Yu and founder of TJA (The Juqilin Academy), Su Zhi-Peng to provide students with professional knowledge and skills required during the process of entrepreneurship. Courses such as design thinking, business marketing, speaking and presentation skills and international connections were all included. Hopefully, through a variety of interesting courses can motivate students in learning. This event was hosted by Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan and co-organized by the Yunus Center (YSBC) of 12 universities: Chang Jung Christian University, National University of Kaohsiung, National Quemoy University, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Soochow University, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, National Taipei University of Business, Chung Yuan Christian University, National Dong Hwa University, National Chin-Yi University of Technology and Chihlee University of Technology. Every participant in this event was greatly inspired and had a lot of key takeaways from this fruitful trip.

Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan held the first “Yunus Camp” at the Taichung Dongshi Forest Garden

Professor Muhammad Yunus, the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, gave his sincere recognition and encouragement to all participants through his video

President Tsai (L) and CEO Wang (R) presented the “2023 Yunus Youth Ambassador” medal and a letter of appointment to Dr. Shen Hsin-Ling (C), which was approved by the board of directors of the Foundation.

Some of the courses were taken outdoor, so students can have different inspiration at various environment.

During this Yunus Camp nearly 50 college students experienced outdoor camping and learn great knowledge about entrepreneurship.