In response to the post-typhoon reconstruction needs in Guangfu Township, Hualien, the Student Association of Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT) has launched the “Hualien Guangfu Disaster Relief Initiative — ‘Shovel’ Up Hope, Stay Strong Guangfu!” The initiative calls on students and faculty across the university to assist the area most severely affected by Typhoon Kasha. A total of 100 participants will receive subsidies to join the relief effort, embodying the university’s commitment to civic responsibility and social care.

　　The disaster caused extensive flooding due to the formation of a landslide dam upstream of the Mataian River, leading to major disruptions in residents’ daily lives. In response, the Student Association took the lead in organizing a university-wide relief action, becoming an important source of manpower in the recovery process. Participants traveled from Taipei to Guangfu Station in Hualien by train and checked in at the official “Volunteer Work Assignment Station” established by the Executive Yuan before being dispatched to support tasks such as mud removal, supply sorting, and environmental restoration.

　　To ensure the safety of all volunteers, the university provided transportation subsidies, insurance, basic protective equipment, and meal reimbursements. Clear safety guidelines were also established, including weather alerts, emergency reporting procedures, and physical condition assessments, ensuring that all relief activities were conducted under proper safety measures. This reflects MCUT’s philosophy of integrating service learning into holistic education.

　　According to the Student Association, this initiative is not merely a disaster relief effort but also a powerful form of life education. By directly participating in community rebuilding, students gain a deeper understanding of empathy, responsibility, and civic engagement.

　　MCUT has long been dedicated to cultivating young people with strong social consciousness and practical abilities. This disaster relief program demonstrates the university’s longstanding values of diligence, humility, and social contribution. Moving forward, MCUT will continue to promote disaster recovery service, volunteer engagement, and sustainability education, joining hands with students to bring more positive impact to society.

中文：明志科技大學啟動花蓮光復救災行動　師生以行動「鏟」起希望
This article is simultaneously published in the 42th edition of the SDGs E-paper.