In the quaint Guilai Community of Taiwan’s Pingtung City, a man affectionately known to his neighbors as “Uncle Yam Beans” lives.
This inspiring tale of transformation and dedication vividly illustrates how collective community effort can lead to significant, impactful change. At the heart of this story is Chen Tianxan. His vision has turned what many would consider waste into a wellspring of opportunity for young minds eager to learn.
How Uncle Yam Beans went from farmer to philanthropist
Chen Tianxan, aka Uncle Yam Beans, was a simple farmer who cultivated and sold yam beans for a living. Despite his humble economic status, Uncle Yam Beans harbored a deep-seated belief in the power of education, stemming from his unfulfilled academic desires. Recognizing a lack of enthusiasm for reading among the community’s youth, he embarked on a mission in 1997 to make a difference.
He began by setting up community scholarships, initially funded by local benefactors, including the public temple and the gentry. Yet it was evident early on that this conventional approach to sponsorship was not sustainable.
Pioneering a sustainable model for scholarship
In an innovative twist of fate, in 2002, Uncle Yam Beans initiated a scholarship program funded by recycling efforts within the community. This model embodied the principle of sustainability and actively engaged the community in a collective endeavor toward a common good. The initiative quickly garnered robust support, transforming daily recyclables into valuable educational scholarships. From children to older people, the entire community rallied around Uncle Yam Beans, contributing to an initiative that became a shining example of combined environmental conservation and educational support.
Recycling for future success
Fast forward to the present, and the Guilai Community awards scholarships to deserving students every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival. With amounts ranging from modest stipends for elementary school students to more substantial awards for doctoral candidates, these scholarships have become a cornerstone of the community’s values.
Success stories abound, with recipients like Fan Zhuohan, a doctoral student in electrical engineering, and Ma Jianan, studying at Chiayi University’s Graduate School of Horticulture, expressing profound gratitude and a desire to pay it forward. This enduring initiative, which recycles 60 tons of resources annually, has changed the community’s education landscape and fostered a spirit of voluntarism and communal responsibility.
A legacy that lives on
Over two decades have passed since Uncle Yam Beans first implemented his plan. Today, his legacy thrives, with the Guilai Community Development Association continuing to award scholarships to a growing number of recipients. The community’s collective effort has cultivated a love for reading among the young and solidified the importance of sustainable living practices intertwined with educational advancement.
Uncle Yam Beans’ story is a striking example of how individual initiative and community cooperation can lead to lasting, sustainable change. It’s a lesson in how traditional values of hard work, education, and environmental stewardship can find harmony in modern society, offering a blueprint for communities worldwide.
Translation by Audrey Wang
