On March 18, 2026, Dun-lin Academy of Ming Chi University of Technology partnered with Taishan Miracle Home – Comprehensive Long-Term Care Institution to accompany seniors on a visit to the Taishan Doll Museum, embarking on a community engagement journey filled with warmth and nostalgia. Blessed with pleasant weather, students from the college provided full companionship throughout the trip. Through attentive guidance and interaction, they helped seniors participate with ease and joy, rediscovering the simple pleasure of going out. Inside the museum, themed exhibitions and the “Time Corridor” showcased Taishan’s transformation from an agricultural society into a major hub of the doll manufacturing industry, offering visitors a glimpse into the evolution of local development and industrial heritage.

　　During the visit, guided by professional docents, the seniors explored the exhibition halls at a comfortable pace and learned about the rise of the doll manufacturing industry in the 1960s, when the Mei-Ning factory was established in Taishan. At its peak, the area handled everything from raw materials to production and packaging, making it one of the world’s key bases for Barbie doll manufacturing. The exquisite dolls on display not only demonstrated fine craftsmanship but also evoked vivid memories from the seniors’ youth. Some even shared that they had once worked in the factories themselves, as part of the group known as the “Mei-Ning Girls”—a term referring to the large number of female workers who formed a significant and vibrant presence in the local community, symbolizing the prosperity and youthful spirit of that era. These cross-generational stories brought energy to the scene and gave students a deeper understanding of the connection between local industry and personal life experiences.

　　Throughout the visit, the students were not only companions but also thoughtful caregivers—assisting seniors with mobility, listening patiently to their stories, and bridging generational gaps with warm smiles. The seniors, in turn, revealed their childlike joy as they admired the charming doll exhibits, filling the museum with laughter and vitality. This meaningful interaction not only fostered mutual understanding between generations but also allowed students to truly experience the essence of service learning, demonstrating that companionship can be one of the most impactful and heartfelt forms of education.

　　Social workers from Taishan Miracle Home shared that they had initially felt some concern about taking seniors out for activities. However, seeing the bright smiles and hearing the joyful sharing on the way back turned all worries into heartfelt appreciation. This activity not only encouraged seniors to reconnect with the community and maintain active engagement in life, but also provided younger generations with valuable lessons in empathy and responsibility. Moving forward, Dunlin College will continue to promote similar intergenerational initiatives, allowing love and companionship to flow throughout the community and creating more warm and unforgettable memories.

　　Image (No. 1) Description: Accompanied by student volunteers, seniors pause to admire the exquisite dolls on display.

　　Image (No. 2) Description: Students and seniors viewed the doll exhibits together.

　　Image (No. 3) Description: Students assisted by pushing wheelchairs, allowing seniors to view the exhibits up close.

　　Image (No. 4) Description: Students and seniors visited the Taishan Doll Museum together.

　　Image (No. 5) Description: Dun-lin Academy - Social Service Begins with Neighborhood - Group Photo

中文：重溫產業記憶，敦臨書院陪伴長輩走訪泰山娃娃館
This article will be simultaneously published in the SDGs E-paper.