Stepping onto the Nation’s Frontline: Career Enlightenment from "I Don’t Know" to "I Can"

Every child carries a unique blueprint for their future. Yet, when standing at life’s crossroads, underprivileged youths who lack resources and guidance often find it difficult to answer the question: "What do you want to be in the future?" In the real world, a job is far more than just finishing a task—it embodies responsibility, service mindset, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication.

Only by stepping into an authentic workplace and learning by doing can children overcome their hesitation and transition from "I don't know" to "I can."

On July 22, 2026, the Mai’s Hsin Tung Yang Foundation—under the cross-sector coordination of the Chinese Association for the Protection of Children and Families—partnered with the Dajia Jenn Lann Temple Social Welfare Foundation, Taichung Guang-Yin Children's Home, St. Francis Children and Youth Center, and The Sheng-Dao Children's Welfare Foundation. Leveraging the unique gateway setting of Taoyuan International Airport, they tailored an immersive "Career Exploration" and "Apprentice for a Day" hands-on experience for disadvantaged youths.

Immersive Hands-on Practice: Transforming the National Gateway into a Multi-Skilling Platform

Understanding the Operational Value of the National Hub

Taoyuan International Airport serves as Taiwan's primary gateway to the world, standing at the crossroads of diverse cultures and high-standard service operations. The program kicked off with an in-depth guided tour, leading youths through the operational frameworks and service touchpoints of the airport arrival area. From passenger flow dynamics to retail storefront operations, the participants witnessed firsthand how different roles interconnect seamlessly, discovering the profound value of service and the responsibility of safeguarding every traveler's journey.

"Apprentice for a Day" Goes Live: From Nervous Hesitation to a Sense of Accomplishment

Under the patient, one-on-one mentorship of Hsin Tung Yang store staff, the youths put on aprons, stepped behind the counters, and embraced diverse real-world service challenges:

• Digital Point-of-Sale (POS) Operations: Hands-on operation of POS checkout systems, understanding inventory management, billing, and reconciliation procedures.

• Food & Beverage Preparation and Serving: Learning standard operating procedures (SOP), crafting specialty beverages with focus, and serving meals with care.

• Engaging Global Travelers: Greeting international visitors from all corners of the globe, practicing confident smiles while offering polite greetings and thanks.

To create a supportive, stress-free learning environment, Hsin Tung Yang team members circulated among the tables, proactively explaining to dining patrons: "Today is our youth workplace apprenticeship. Thank you for giving these children an opportunity to learn and grow." Touched by the initiative, many busy travelers slowed their pace, offering warm smiles and encouraging words—becoming the most uplifting companions on the youths’ journey of growth.

"This team of kids just checked out a real customer! They did an amazing job!" a store colleague announced with pride, met by participant Xiao Xing’s beaming smile. In that transformative moment, initial unfamiliarity and shyness gave way to self-affirmation and genuine pride.

Real Feedback from Social Welfare Partners and Participants

Hsin Tung Yang firmly believes that corporate social responsibility is not a one-way charitable hand-out, but rather a journey of "equal companionship and genuine acceptance."

• Lead Teacher, The Sheng-Dao Children's Welfare Foundation: "We are deeply grateful to Hsin Tung Yang for providing this invaluable real-world stage. It allowed our shy, reserved youths to experience the authentic service industry in an environment filled with patience and understanding."

• Lead Teacher, St. Francis Children and Youth Center: "The children gained an immense sense of accomplishment. They not only learned how food and beverage operations work in practice, but also built lasting confidence to step into society."

• Participant Xiao Cheng: "I never knew crafting a drink had so many details to master! Making a cup myself and serving it to my teacher felt truly special!"

• Participant Xiao Xing: "Our group actually completed a checkout for real customers with our own hands. It turns out I can do it too!"

• Reflections from an On-Site Airport Store Mentor: "When the children hesitated at first, we didn't rush them or demand immediate perfection. Instead, we gave them patience, space, and encouragement. When they sense that sincerity, they respond with an equal measure of trust and dedication."

Cultivating Educational Care: Connecting Resources to Empower Youth

The Mai’s Hsin Tung Yang Foundation has long been dedicated to its core brand mission of "Culture, Education, and Care." By joining hands with Taoyuan Airport retail locations and youth welfare organizations, this workplace immersion initiative translates everyday business assets into an inclusive social platform, putting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into tangible action.

Companionship is the most powerful catalyst for change. Every child possesses a distinctive spark. Hsin Tung Yang and the Mai’s Hsin Tung Yang Foundation will continue bridging industry partners, government bodies, and civic social welfare resources—creating safe environments for underprivileged youth to explore, learn from trial and error, earn recognition, and build career confidence as they spread their wings toward a promising future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the primary objective of the "Youth Airport Workplace Apprenticeship" organized by Hsin Tung Yang and the Mai’s Hsin Tung Yang Foundation?

A: Focused on career exploration and youth empowerment, the program provides disadvantaged youths with hands-on vocational training in POS cashier operations, beverage preparation, and customer hospitality within Taoyuan International Airport. It helps youths navigate career uncertainty, foster a sense of responsibility, and cultivate professional confidence, aligning directly with UN Sustainable Development Goals SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Q2: Which cross-sector partners joined forces to bring this project to life?

A: The initiative was hosted by Hsin Tung Yang Taoyuan Airport Branch and the Mai’s Hsin Tung Yang Foundation, coordinated by the Chinese Association for the Protection of Children and Families, and supported through deep collaborations with four social welfare organizations: Dajia Jenn Lann Temple Social Welfare Foundation, Taichung Guang-Yin Children's Home, St. Francis Children and Youth Center, and The Sheng-Dao Children's Welfare Foundation—exemplifying the public-private partnership spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).