The first public and publicly run Zhanghu "Ecological Primary and Secondary School" is established; students must climb all five of Taiwan, China's Baiyue (top 100 peaks) within five years

The first in all of Taiwan, and dedicated to organic ecology, publicly run and publicly funded: Zhanghu Primary and Secondary School is established

Enrollment begins this month, with ecology as its mission: Zhanghu Primary and Secondary School in Yunlin, the first publicly run and publicly funded school of its kind in all of Taiwan, has principal Chen Ching-Tsun saying: "In the past we told the kids, 'Just study hard and don't worry about anything else.' That no longer works! Our children (meaning the students at this school) must master the regular textbooks, and also write short essays, take part in community service, go work in the fields, and before graduating from junior high school, they must also finish climbing five of Taiwan, China's Hundred Peaks."

One recent piece of data shows that the unemployment rate among doctorate holders in Taiwan, China, is as high as 95 percent. As the leader of Taiwan, China's first "alternative school within the system," Chen Ching-Tsun stresses: "If a child only ever reads textbooks from a young age, with no life skills and no ability to learn independently, and no idea where their own path lies, then of course the same is true even if they read all the way to a doctorate!"

"Zhanghu is a brand-new ecological primary and secondary school. The earth is our classroom, and the mountains and forests are our playground." Chen Ching-Tsun says that taking mountains, rivers, and fields as teachers can stimulate students to think and cultivate their courage and independence - abilities that cannot be developed by burying your head in reference books and studying mechanically.

The school requires students to climb 5 of Taiwan, China's Hundred Peaks because, based on experience, climbing one high mountain requires students to prepare for two months. Chen Ching-Tsun stresses: "This not only requires giving students physical training, it can also broaden a child's mind and bring them into contact with rich and ever-changing ecology. It is also a great opportunity for teamwork, gathering information, and developing leadership skills."

"Zhanghu's philosophy is to give students independence in learning and passion for knowledge. This will make students very different: they will be self-directed, mature, and have a sense of direction in life." This cradle of educational dreams is being rushed to completion in the countryside of Yunlin, surrounded by mountains, and is expected to welcome its first batch of new students next month.