Mt. Dabajian is considered the origin of life in the Atayal tribe’s legend. On the morning of the 17th, 22 teachers and students from Ulay Junior and Senior High School headed to the Guanwu area in Hsinchu to embark on a 4-day, 3-night journey to climb Mt. Dabajian. On the eve of departure, Principal Chen Huang-? personally presented the flag and invited tribal parents to cheer on the students, kicking off an unforgettable journey to trace their roots.
Principal Chen Huang-? stated that outdoor education is a key focus of the school’s curriculum. After 16 teachers and students successfully summited the main and eastern peaks of Snow Mountain in 2018, this year’s team is even larger and stronger. In addition to professional guides, the accompanying teachers all have educational backgrounds and experience climbing Taiwan’s hundred peaks, accompanying Ulay students on this journey to trace their origins.
Lead teacher Chuang Yung-long pointed out that outdoor education not only teaches mountaineering skills but also emphasizes the connection between mountains and culture. Preparatory education activities have been carried out over the past six months, aiming to help students prepare both physically and mentally before the trip.
He emphasized that through each training session, students enhance their sense of teamwork, communication, problem-solving abilities, and strengthen their overall capacity to face future life and adapt to society.
“At first, I was scared during practice, but after a few times, I believe I can complete this journey to trace our origins!” said a student. They often experienced leg cramps during training in the foothills, but teachers taught them to communicate with their own bodies. By the final training session, they didn’t feel any discomfort at all.
The school stated that the team includes not only professional guides, photographers, and educational personnel from both inside and outside the school, but also a doctor from the Ulay District Health Center serving as the team medic. Adequate human resources and preparation have been made in terms of mountaineering skills, team discipline, life attitude, and safety measures.