Students that have been with the program since 2022
On June 5th, the Wang & Wu Foundation hosted its sixth annual Fast Fluency International Tutoring Program Expo virtually via Zoom. The event was held to highlight the service and dedication of the youth volunteers and the achievements of the cross-Pacific educational exchange. Nearly 40 teachers, high school tutors, and parents attended the event to celebrate students' personal growth and the friendships formed.
The Fast Fluency International Tutoring Program (FFITP) has been active for the past six years, comprising a team of Bay Area youth volunteers as tutors to provide English conversational guidance to elementary school students in Taiwan. Leading teachers are Katy Wu, Julian Lung, Nancy Lin, and Sabrina Lu. The partnership schools that the program works with are Kang-Ning Elementary School in Taipei, Luzhou Elementary School in New Taipei City, and Xiding Elementary School in Chiayi County.
Focusing on the concept of digital learning partnerships, the Foundation's main goal with FFITP is to help enhance the English proficiency of students in Taiwan, while at the same time providing space for Bay Area high school student volunteers to hone their leadership abilities, sense of responsibility, and cross-cultural communication skills through teaching. The program has garnered high praise from schools and parents from both regions.
The showcase was hosted by Katy Wu, the Foundation's Co-Founder and Chief Academic Dean. Additionally, CEO Dr. Albert Wang delivered congratulatory remarks, “on behalf of the Wang & Wu Foundation, I would like to express deep gratitude for the dedication, brilliance, and kindness of the team, as they are the heartbeat of the Foundation's mission.” Center of Taipei Economic and Cultural Offices (TECO) in San Francisco (Mipitas) Director Sophia Chuang and the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Commissioner Anna Wei attended and delivered speeches.
Director Chuang commended the youth volunteers for their long-term commitment to community service, noting that they have helped Taiwanese elementary school students improve their English conversational skills while broadening their international horizons, further fostering cultural exchange between youth in Taiwan and the United States. During the event, a video featuring messages of gratitude from the Taiwanese elementary school students was screened; the children expressed their thanks to the Bay Area tutors, adding a heartwarming and touching element to the celebratory event.
A special awards ceremony was held to recognize volunteers for their outstanding contributions. Some categories included the “Perfect Attendance Award” and “Outstanding Service Award.” These awards were given in recognition of the tutors' consistent participation, exceptional teaching performance, and selfless dedication. A total of 29 volunteers participated in the program this year, coming from 9 school districts, 14 high schools, and 2 middle schools across the Bay Area. About a third of the cohort were new members, while the core group consisted primarily of seniors and graduating seniors. tenth-grade students. Six students have contributed to the program for four years. They demonstrate the perseverance and passion of young volunteers dedicated to long-term educational service.
During the sharing section, several student tutors recounted stories that contributed to personal growth gained through teaching in the program. They noted that online instruction helped them develop patience, adaptability, teamwork, confidence, and better communication skills. Furthermore, guiding elementary school students in Taiwan through English learning has also allowed them to improve their Mandarin proficiency and foster meaningful connections with the students. Zacharee Ho, the most senior volunteer with five years of service under her belt with the program, shared that “the experience with FFITP has taught me to approach others with kindness, sincerity, and empathy.” As per usual, the Wang & Wu Foundation and FFITP have shown us that their mission has made a significant impact, even from an ocean away.
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