The 15th Joint Graduation Ceremony of YongLin Hope Elementary School, NCKU Branch – A Colorful and Heartwarming Celebration-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

On June 15, 2025, the 15th Joint Graduation Ceremony of YongLin Hope Elementary School, NCKU Branch was held at the Cingcao Elementary School Branch in Annan District. This year, a total of 42 graduates joyfully embraced the next chapter of their lives, cheered on and blessed by their teachers and families.


To enrich the ceremony, the Cingcao Elementary Drum Dance Troupe and the Tucheng Elementary Violin Club were invited to perform. The vibrant folk arts and melodious music added a festive and colorful atmosphere to the celebration. Alumni from the 1st, 4th, 8th, and 11th classes sent their heartfelt blessings and life reflections to their juniors through pre-recorded videos. Graduates also presented handcrafted floating oil flower pens to their teachers — each pen symbolizing heartfelt gratitude and the continuation of the educational journey. As the ceremony came to a close, the afterschool program teachers performed the song “Butterflies, Fly” to express their sincere wishes, hoping the graduates will soar through life with courage and dreams. The performance was accompanied by symbolic props of butterflies taking flight, encouraging the students to spread their wings and chase their futures.


To make the graduation experience truly unforgettable, the school arranged a two-day event. On June 14, the day before the ceremony, students participated in activities such as tree climbing and “Soaring High Together” team challenges, designed to help them understand that some tasks must be achieved independently, while others require teamwork and collaboration. That night, everyone camped overnight at Cingcao Elementary School, with assistance from Professor Yuk-Ying Tung of the Graduate Institute of Education at NCKU and her team of afterschool tutors who helped set up the tents. The entire celebration was filled with warmth and lasting memories, strengthening emotional bonds among all participants.


For many years, the Graduate Institute of Education at NCKU has led the operation of the YongLin Hope Elementary School, NCKU Branch. Professor Yuk-Ying Tung has been a long-term advocate for educational equity and support for rural students, continually promoting holistic education through the YongLin Hope initiative. The program aims to help children build the confidence and capabilities to face future challenges and possibilities.


Rooted in the philosophy of love and companionship, the NCKU branch of YongLin Hope Elementary School sees graduation not merely as a ceremony, but as a shared journey of learning, empathy, and growth. Sincere thanks go to the 12 partner schools across Taiwan for their steadfast support, which makes this educational mission possible. Special gratitude is also extended to Cingcao Elementary School for providing the venue, to the Center for Teacher Education for their equipment support, and to all partners whose dedication made the 15th Graduation Ceremony a touching and memorable success.