Nine Consecutive Years of Overseas Service Learning The program brings technology education to Lesotho through knowledge that transforms lives while helping university students rediscover the world

AI Department student Zou Shihsyu taught a Scratch programming course.

When many children used a computer mouse for the first time and saw the games they had designed come to life on the screen, the classroom filled with gasps of excitement and laughter. This was not in Taiwan, but at the Amitofo Care Centre (ACC) in Lesotho, southern Africa.Asia University has continued to promote the Ministry of Education–supported OProSS-Africa Overseas Professional Service-Learning Program. This summer marks the program’s ninth consecutive year. Led by Dean Lin Chun-Wei of the Creative Leadership Program and coordinated by project assistant Chang Chih-Yi, a team of ten students from the College of Information and Electrical Engineering and the College of Medical and Health Sciences traveled to Africa for nearly a month of professional service.Through AI, Scratch programming, and interdisciplinary PBL courses, the team guided approximately 350 children in exploring technology, building confidence, and discovering that education can cross national borders and become a force for change.

To prepare for this journey, the service team spent nearly an entire semester developing teaching materials, planning lessons, and conducting multiple trial sessions. Course content was tailored to different age groups.Drawing on their diverse academic backgrounds, the students transformed topics such as artificial intelligence, Scratch programming, emotional education, assistive device design, sign language communication, sports injury prevention, environmental education, and teamwork into interactive and easy-to-understand lessons. Through games and hands-on activities, children learned to think, collaborate, and solve problems.

The AI and Scratch classes were especially popular.Starting with the basic concepts of AI, the children went on to create interactive projects such as Tank Adventure, 3D Maze, Snake, and Fishing Game. For many of them, it was their first experience with computers and programming.From initial shyness and uncertainty to the radiant smiles they showed when they completed their projects, the university students realized that education changes more than technical skills—it transforms a child’s imagination of the future.

Occupational Therapy student Lin Yu-Chia taught the "Little Cleaning Craftsmen" course, combining carving techniques with cleaning practices.

In addition to technology education, the team designed a series of PBL (Problem-Based Learning) courses, including:My Emotional Adventure Journey Turning Differences into the Power of Cooperation From AAC to Sign Language Assistive Device Designers Sports Injury Prevention and Insole Making Little Cleaning Craftsmen These courses encouraged children to discuss, collaborate, and create through hands-on activities while developing communication skills, empathy, and practical problem-solving abilities. Learning extended beyond knowledge transmission into real-life application.

Beyond the Classroom Outside class, the Asia University team organized sports days, team-building games, and cultural exchange activities. They ran, played, and sang with the children, building friendships through cooperation and interaction.The team also donated daily necessities and learning materials to support the children’s growth, delivering care and encouragement from Taiwan to children in distant Africa.

A Classroom Without Walls "OProSS-Africa is not a short-term international volunteer activity, but a course without walls." Dean Lin Chun-Wei explained that students bring what they have learned in the classroom to the other side of the world. Through service, they develop cross-cultural communication skills, teamwork, and a sense of social responsibility, while gaining a deeper understanding of the value of education, cultural diversity, and the importance of cherishing resources.

Since launching the OProSS-Africa Overseas Professional Service-Learning Program in 2017, Asia University has continuously led students onto the international stage, transforming professional knowledge into meaningful service.What has crossed from Taiwan to Africa is not only geographical distance, but also a connection of knowledge and hope. As students use what they have learned to illuminate the future of children, they also discover their own sense of mission through service. This represents the strongest embodiment of Asia University’s commitment to social responsibility and its goal of cultivating globally minded citizens with compassion and humanity.

Speech and Hearing student Shih Shun-Feng taught "Where Is the Sound? – Soundscapes of Life" and presented the students’ creations.

The 2026 OProSS-Africa team posed for a group photo with the director and children of the Amitofo Care Centre (ACC) in Lesotho.