This was our first time organizing an event in San Guang Village. We set off from National Central University and drove approximately 66 kilometers to San Guang Village in Fuxing District, a journey that took about 2.5 hours. Located in the mountainous area of Fuxing District, San Guang Village encompasses four tribes: Wudao Nenggan, Shalunzi, Tieliku, and Ye Heng, with a total population of around 900 people. Through the introduction of the village head, we learned about the current situation in San Guang Village and the local community’s needs for disaster prevention and sustainability efforts. With this understanding, we decided to schedule several practical courses that would address these needs, starting with a Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) course. Both sides agreed to stay in touch and look forward to the successful launch of the first course.

As the course date approached, Typhoon Koinu struck, causing significant damage in Fuxing District. On the eve of the course, we contacted Village Head Chen, who informed us that the typhoon had left the area without water and electricity for nearly four days. Fallen trees and landslides had made the roads impassable, and local residents were busy cleaning up. After assessing the situation, we considered postponing the course to give the community more time to recover. However, just six days later, local authorities and residents had already cleared the obstacles from the mountain roads, allowing the course to proceed as planned.

On the morning of the course, we made our way to San Guang Village. Having not driven up the mountain for nearly two weeks, we were shocked by the sight of fallen trees, bamboo groves, and utility poles stacked along the roadside. It was the first time in five years that we had seen so many trees down, and it was hard to imagine the extent of the damage and the challenges the local residents faced.

Upon arriving at the San Guang Village office, we greeted the village head and quickly set up the necessary chairs and equipment for the course. Meanwhile, the semi-outdoor space outside the classroom was being prepared, creating a busy and energetic atmosphere. As the registration time neared, a few participants who had pre-registered began to arrive. Though it was our first meeting, the residents quickly engaged in warm conversations as they checked in. I distinctly remember one woman who, as she signed in, told us she had always wanted to learn how to perform basic first aid and bandaging. As soon as she heard about the course, she immediately signed up. Her genuine enthusiasm and eagerness to learn were truly heartwarming.

The course began promptly, and the instructor, full of energy, started by introducing the basics of first aid before demonstrating bandaging techniques. The session was interactive, with questions and answers as well as hands-on practice in groups. The instructor emphasized key points with mnemonic phrases to help the participants remember the material. The classroom was filled with laughter as the participants repeated the mnemonics, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. Despite the loud music from an outdoor event, the learners remained completely focused on the course. Each time we moved to a practical exercise, the participants eagerly jumped in, their serious expressions and enthusiastic laughter making it impossible not to capture these moments with our cameras.

The three-hour Basic Trauma Life Support course flew by, and as we packed up, a few participants gathered around the instructor to excitedly share what they had learned. They asked if the presentation slides could be shared, as they wanted to pass on the first aid techniques to their families. Some also inquired about upcoming courses. Seeing these interactions reminded us that, no matter how far we had traveled to get here, the effort was completely worthwhile. Sometimes, I couldn’t help but admire their “learning for life” spirit and wondered if I lived here, would I also embrace this eagerness to learn?

This event not only allowed us to experience the local residents’ passion for learning but also gave us a glimpse into their resilience and sense of community in the face of challenges. Each moment of learning and sharing reinforced our belief that this kind of effort is truly worth it.