Taiwan Town Invests in Future Generations with Scholarships & Family Support
Miaoli County, Taiwan – November 2, 2025 – In a heartwarming display of community investment, Houlong Town in Miaoli County, Taiwan, has announced a comprehensive program of scholarships and financial incentives aimed at bolstering education and retaining young families. This breaking news highlights a proactive approach to local development, offering a model for other communities facing similar demographic challenges. This initiative is poised to significantly impact the region and is a key story for Google News and SEO focused publications.
Scholarships Awarded to 280 Students, Totaling Over $20,000 USD
A ceremony held this morning at the Houlong Town Office saw 280 students receive scholarships totaling 639,600 yuan (approximately $20,300 USD). Miaoli County Magistrate Zhong Dongjin was present to congratulate the students, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and healthy habits. The scholarships, ranging from 1,000 to 8,000 yuan (approximately $32 to $255 USD), are awarded to students from elementary school through doctoral level, with additional support for students from low- and middle-income families and those with disabilities. The program is largely funded by a 1 million yuan ($32,000 USD) sponsorship from the Du Qinming Scholarship.
Beyond Education: Incentives to Build a Future in Houlong
Recognizing the challenges of rural population decline, Houlong Town is taking bold steps to encourage young people to build their lives within the community. Newly registered residents (over one year of residency) are now eligible for a 10,000 yuan ($320 USD) wedding bonus. More significantly, the town is offering substantial maternity allowances: 12,000 yuan ($385 USD) for the first and second child, and a generous 36,000 yuan ($1,150 USD) for each subsequent child. This is a substantial investment in families and a clear signal of the town’s commitment to its future.
A Focus on Educational Excellence & Community Pride
Town Mayor Xie Qinghui underscored the town’s dedication to education, noting that students receive school supplies from kindergarten through elementary school, with plans to extend graduation gifts to junior high school students next year. Magistrate Zhong Dongjin highlighted Miaoli County’s recent success in the junior high school entrance examinations, boasting six top scorers with perfect composition scores – the highest among neighboring counties. He expressed confidence in the quality of Miaoli’s education system and encouraged students to pursue their studies locally.
The Bigger Picture: Rural Revitalization in Taiwan
Houlong’s initiative is part of a broader trend in Taiwan to address the challenges facing rural communities. Like many developed nations, Taiwan is grappling with an aging population and a migration of young people to urban centers. Financial incentives for families, coupled with investments in education and local infrastructure, are increasingly seen as crucial strategies for revitalizing rural areas and preserving cultural heritage. This approach isn’t unique to Taiwan; similar programs are being implemented in Japan, South Korea, and parts of Europe. The success of Houlong’s program could serve as a valuable case study for other regions facing similar demographic pressures.
The energy at the scholarship ceremony, complete with a cheerleading performance by students from Haibao Elementary School, demonstrated a strong sense of community spirit and a shared commitment to the future. As Magistrate Zhong Dongjin eloquently stated, the hope is that today’s scholarship recipients will become tomorrow’s benefactors, continuing the cycle of kindness and investment in Miaoli County for generations to come. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this developing story and other important news from around the globe.
