YOUTH IGNITE | Empowering Taiwan's Next Generation

Jay stands in front of the room, scanning the faces of the teens in front of him. Some look curious, others distracted, a few hesitant, like they’re not sure if they really belong here. He recognizes that feeling. Just a few years ago, he was sitting where they are now, unsure of himself, uncertain about the future, wondering if there was even a future worth fighting for.

Searching for Direction

Jay didn’t have a typical childhood. His mom left him in the care of his grandmother at a young age, and while his family did their best, resources were stretched thin. Without a steady parental figure to guide him, Jay grew up figuring things out on his own. By middle school, he felt completely lost. School didn’t seem to have a purpose, and the weight of financial struggles at home made everything feel even more uncertain.

That’s when someone reached out. A teacher and a friend took him to church, introducing him to a community that saw him as someone who mattered. For the first time, Jay felt like he had people who cared, who asked him questions about his future, who encouraged him to think about what he wanted from life. It was a small shift, but it sparked something inside him.

A New Chapter

That spark grew bigger when Jay joined our program, “Youth Ignite: Empowering Taiwan's Next Generation” in high school, where he learned real skills that helped him take control of his own life.

Through workshops on time management, communication, and teamwork, he learned how to balance school, responsibilities, and personal growth. For the first time, he felt in control. He wasn’t just surviving each day but actively shaping his future. The confidence he gained from these experiences pushed him to challenge himself more. He learned that leadership wasn’t about being the loudest in the room, but about stepping up, listening, and growing alongside others.

Becoming a Mentor

Now a senior in college, Jay isn’t just learning—he’s leading. Through Youth Ignite’s Innovative Care Workshop, he and a team of fellow students designed and led a self-discovery program for at-risk teens.

Standing in front of the group, Jay realizes just how much has changed. He’s no longer the kid who didn’t know where he was headed. He’s now the one helping others find their path. He sees himself in the young faces looking back at him, and he hopes that sharing his journey will be the push they need to believe in themselves.

"I don’t want them to reach college graduation and still not know what they want to do," Jay remarks. "Because I was once guided by others, I want to do the same for kids who are still lost, so they don’t stray down the wrong path. I want them to know that there are people in this world who care about them."

He knows from experience that having someone believe in you can make all the difference.

The Ripple Effect

When we look at Jay's journey, we see the transformative power of belief. The right mentorship, guidance, and opportunities don't just uplift one individual—they create a ripple effect. Today, Jay is inspiring the next generation, just like others once did for him.

Programs like Youth Ignite don’t just support students; they empower them to uplift others.

Be Part of the Impact

Every young person deserves the chance to grow, learn, and discover their potential, just like Jay did. Your support helps make that happen.

Together, we can equip more students with the tools they need to build brighter futures. Support today and be part of something bigger.

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The facial features of the Jay and other children in the image have been modified to protect their identity and privacy.