A Return to Educational System, Sowing the Seeds of Love

TSMC Charity Foundation’s promotion of filial piety stems from Chairperson Sophie Chang’s concern for seniors living alone. Whenever she held the hand of a senior member, she could not help wish that if every family has adopted filial piety, issues like senior isolation or children brought up by grandparents in rural communities would be tackled and resolved. “It’s really sad to see that look of loneliness and despair of seniors living alone”

It may not necessarily be money that these elderly members need, what they need is people’s company and love. Even though their grips are shaking and fragile, they still hold on to you as tightly as they could.

It's ironic that no one bothered to visit the elderlies when they were alive, but many family and relatives to show up after death, said Sophie. Whenever this happens, Sophie could not help thinking: where were these people when their parents or grandparents needed them most?

Sophie thinks that it is not material needs that the elderlies crave, but company of family members. Our society would become a better place when these senior members are leading a life that they deserve. Sophie also found that lessons about family ethics and morality were removed from textbooks 16 years ago. As a result, she decided to take action to ensure that these invaluable lessons that were no longer taught in class would once again be conveyed to students, thereby address the growing aloofness and indifference in our society.

“Only with a house full of love could we pass it on to others.”

Sophie believes that filial piety is the starting point to change the society for the better. In early 2017, TSMC Charity Foundation visited mayors and magistrates of different cities and counties, inviting them to collaborate on promoting filial piety. One of the officials, former Tainan mayor and Premier William Lai agreed to join the campaign on the spot. After 6-month of promotion, the Ministry of Education joined in the campaign as well. With the central government teaming up with the local government to integrate teaching materials and resources, Tainan city became the demonstration zone. By the end of 2017, the first edition of filial piety teaching materials have reached every elementary school, kick-starting filial piety education with official courses and non-official events.