About the Association
The Global Devotion Association (GDA Taiwan) was founded in 2017 by Qingyu Chen, who graduated from the University of Southern California in 2023. It has been committed to cultural conservation and hopes to provide volunteer opportunities for Taiwanese students to carry out meaningful actions - giving back to society and cultural experiences through exchanges and helping minority groups.
Motivation and Mission
We encourage young volunteers to experience and participate in different cultures and lifestyles, and to understand Taiwan’s history and differences, hoping to cultivate students’ interest and appreciation for Taiwan’s diversity and uniqueness. We connect students with volunteers from different cultural and social communities, and establish long-term relationships in various parts of Taiwan, allowing students to give back to the community while learning. We introduce and promote Taiwan’s diverse indigenous groups to the world, hoping to preserve these precious cultures through volunteer services and cultural exchange activities by young volunteers.
About the Founder
Chen Qingyu
My name is Chen Qingyu. I am currently studying at a private high school in Berkeley, USA. My parents taught me since I was young that life is like a bank account book. As I experience different people and things in my life, I will deposit different resources into my life bank. At the right time, I should withdraw, integrate and use these resources to maximize their effectiveness. I am 16 years old this year, and I think I should start to integrate and use my life experience account book.
Currently, with the help of my father Chen Zhengzhe, I founded a website called "Global Contribution Program" in 2017, and connected all the teachers, friends, and classmates I know to build a global network. I hope to bring foreign friends to visit me in person or communicate via video, shoot videos, and use the platform to allow students across Taiwan to share resources, become a powerful resource for Taiwan's international education, and let the world better understand Taiwan's multi-ethnic culture.
Here I would like to express my special thanks to Ms. Rao Qingling, Chairperson of the Taitung County Council, for her full support. I will continue to work hard to make this global contribution (co-)learning program move forward in the direction I envisioned.
Her Story
A 17-year-old Taiwanese girl founded this association while attending high school in the United States. She believes that through cultural exchange and volunteer service, Taiwan's diverse indigenous culture can be presented to the world. She encourages young volunteers to explore different cultures, broaden their horizons, and help disadvantaged communities to bring positive changes to society.
Founder's Vision
I, Ching-Yu Chen With desire and determination in my eyes I know
that I am to accomplish all of my goals.
I know where I'm going, but never forget where I come from. I am the daughter of a proud and positive couple, always caring and inspiring.
They have placed me in a great environment.
They shape the way I live my life In the way a big ship carries a lone passenger across foreign seas, taking me to pursue the mystery of life, to explore the magic of the world
Their love for me is a sky of countless twinkling stars in my heart
A gust of wind gently touching me on the cheek.
Without it, I have no idea where I would be.
I am but a child, full of infinite vitality, getting gradually sensible, more responsible,
beginning to study more seriously instead of complaining
I've learned to schedule my time,
Eliminate distractions like one squeezes dirty water out of a sponge.
I've learned to view pressure as the driving force.
I've learned that life is complicated.
It is a learning process.
My life is a gift.
I can't and won't take it for granted.
I hope to be somebody one day
I know that l will struggle to be somebody.
While I may stagger and fall
I will constantly strive to be somebody want to be:
Someone unique
Someone blessed
Someone powerful
Someone succeeded.
You can also do this
Introduce corners of the world by shooting short videos, upload them to online platforms, create APPs, enrich learning resources, and provide schools with international resources!
I sincerely invite all elders, teachers, friends, and classmates who know Professor Chen Zhengzhe, Professor Lin Jin, and Chen Qingyu to participate in and support this "Global Contribution (Co-) Learning Program". With your support and guidance, our activities will be more vivid and colorful, and we look forward to your participation.
If you have any questions, please send us an email at globaldevotion2017@gmail.com to ask us questions and give us advice!