TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Education (教育部) announced the launch of the "Taiwanese Hokkien/Minnan Immersive Teaching Program" for elementary and middle schools on Monday (Nov. 24). The initiative will allocate NT$20 million for the 2025 academic year, supporting 124 schools and 997 classes, benefiting over 23,000 students.
The K-12 Education Administration (國民及學前教育署) continues promoting this program, encouraging teachers and students to use native languages in natural settings. It offers professional development for teachers, on-site consultations, and stationed guidance services to transform curriculum and teaching methods. The program will conduct professional workshops that integrate classroom language into teaching and local culture into courses, enriching teachers' curriculum design and enhancing teaching diversity.
Fifty-four schools have since applied to various activities, extracurricular programs, and clubs that immerse students in native language environments. The Tainan Municipal Jincheng Junior High School (台南市金城國中) combined community venue tours with Taiwanese Opera experiences, inviting Mimi Chen (陳芊榕), author of the Taiwanese Hokkien picture book, "The Magical Chinese Medicine Shop" (神奇漢藥房), to share insights on Taiwanese Hokkien literature.
Students expressed surprise at discovering Taiwanese Hokkien as more than just a conversational tool, recognizing its potential for literary creation. Many expressed a willingness to try writing poems or short articles in the language, demonstrating a strong interest in native languages. The school also has plans to hold summer certification courses to boost students' confidence.
