by youthscholars

 

With slightly trembling hands, a high school student takes the stage. He introduces his social impact project, providing mentorship to low-income children called BuddyUp, his voice gaining confidence as the presentation goes on.

In June, UBI Taiwan hosted its latest charity fundraiser concert with Ascent Academy to raise money for its basic income pilot program for single-parent households. Student volunteers performed and showcased their charity projects.

Over the past two years, UBI Taiwan and Ascent Academy have raised hundreds of thousands of New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) through these fundraisers, including a July charity debate tournament. 

Recently, the result of this fundraising was seen at the premiere of UBI Taiwan’s documentary film, which was funded entirely through private donations. The documentary followed the first recipient of its single-parent basic income program.

After meeting its initial fundraising goal, UBI Taiwan has announced plans to select new candidates for the second phase of its expanded single-parent basic income program.

The Youth Leadership Council, which organized the concert fundraiser, is a student-led organization run by high school students under UBI Taiwan. The council designed these fundraisers to show “students have the power to make change.” 

“This kind of experience strengthens their understanding of social issues and shows them that anyone, regardless of age, can contribute to positive change,” Wei Jiayou, UBI Taiwan’s Research Director, said.

Tyler Prochazka, UBI Taiwan’s co-founder, added that student-led volunteering is a vital antidote to the insulation of traditional education.

“Typically, students are overly insulated in the classroom and don’t get exposed to real-world problems,” Prochazka said. “Having them participate and meet other folks who are facing challenging situations gives them ownership and empowers both sides, and grants them the opportunity to uplift each other.

Council students shared their projects covering mental health for single mothers, as well as providing meals and basic income for homeless individuals.

Prochazka said that one motivation for creating the council was that it allows other forms of assistance beyond cash to be shaped under the “spirit” of basic income’s “respect for individual dignity.”

Wesley Low, the council president, is the student organizing the BuddyUp project to provide educational mentorship for low-income students. He said the most memorable aspect of the fundraiser is the speeches by his classmates. 

“Each one of them was strong in influence and would always be received with massive applause or even inspire me on my own personal projects,” Low said.

The Youth Leadership Council is overseen by mentors who provide individualized guidance for each student’s project. Jonas Li is a mentor for the program who said these real-world efforts and events change students’ perspectives.

“It’s a place where people who care about their community gather with a common goal, so we have a great opportunity to showcase societal problems and connect with people who would otherwise be hard to reach,” Li said.

Written by: Kai Lechman-Su and Tyler Prochazka

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