CyberFair Project ID: 8685

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International Schools CyberFair Project Narrative
Title: Way Back Home - Stray Dogs in Taiwan
Category: 7. Environmental Awareness
URL: http://sites.google.com/view/waybackhomewghscyberfair/home
Bibliography: http://sites.google.com/view/waybackhomewghscyberfair/bibliography

School: Taipei Wego Private Senior High School
    Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan

7 students, ages 15-17 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 7, 2023. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): N/A

Classes and Teachers: Yen-Ting, Lee

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://https://www.wghs.tp.edu.tw/

Project Overview

1. Description of Our Community

The plight of Taiwan's stray dogs is a growing concern for both animal welfare advocates and the general public. According to recent estimates, approximately 200 thousand stray dogs live in Taiwan. In addition to food and shelter scarcity, abuse, and inadequate medical attention, these dogs face numerous challenges. Government policies for managing Taiwan's stray dog population is one of the biggest problems. Many cities do not have effective programs for sterilizing stray dogs, although some have implemented programs. Furthermore, some local governments have been accused of culling stray dogs rather than resolving the issue humanely. Public participation and government resources are also significant challenges for Taiwan's stray dogs. Vaccinations and treatments for the injuries and illnesses of stray dogs are often not provided. Furthermore, many stray dogs are malnourished and lack clean water and shelter access. In Taiwan, however, positive developments are also being made in the fight for the welfare of stray dogs. Recent years have seen the establishment of feeding stations, the provision of medical care, and the arrangement of adoptable dogs for homes by animal welfare organizations and volunteers. In addition, animal welfare is becoming increasingly important among the general public. Sterilization programs, increased funding for shelters and adoption agencies, and harsher punishments for animal abusers are among the policies being advocated by a wide range of individuals and organizations in order to protect the rights of stray dogs. Both the government and the general public must pay attention and take action to solve Taiwan's stray dog problem, which is complex and multifaceted. The situation for stray dogs is improving, but much more needs to be done to guarantee their care and protection.

2. Summary of Our Project

All of the members of our team have had a passion for caring for dogs for a sustained period of time. In joining this Cyberfair Web Project, we hope to create a website fit for not only recruitment advertising, but also educational information proliferation. Moreover, since the topic of this year is 'Kind and Unite,' caring about the stray dogs is a kind action to environment. In order to reach this goal, uniting the people in society is important, which we do our best to accomplish. As part of our work with local animal shelters and rescue organizations, we identify and rescue stray dogs who are in need of homes. Hosting adoption events, promoting adoptable dogs on social media, and partnering with local businesses help us find loving homes for these dogs. A stray dog problem can rapidly develop in a community if left unchecked. To reduce the stray dog population in their community, we organize sterilization campaigns. To carry out their activities, we often need financial support. It would be possible to organize fundraisers for stray dogs, such as bake sales, car washes, and fun runs. One of our goals is to raise awareness of the challenges faced by stray dogs in their neighborhoods. As part of this effort, the club will organize educational events, produce informational flyers, and share stories about its impact. Our members have the opportunity to volunteer at our local animal shelters, participate in stray dog feeding programs, or help with sterilization campaigns. Our mission is to advocate for policies and programs that promote the welfare of stray dogs in their communities. Engaging with community organizations and writing letters to elected officials are all part of this process.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:21-50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 6

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:more than 6

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

The Hidden Dog House operates with limited resources such as funding, volunteers, and supplies for donation. Furthermore, some communities may resist the presence of us, citing concerns about teenage immaturity or even our incapability due to our age. It's important to engage with local authorities and community members to address these concerns to build support for the club's mission. Stray dog clubs may struggle to raise public awareness about the challenges facing stray dogs and the importance of responsible pet ownership, and this can result in a lack of support or resources for the club's mission. Stray dog clubs may struggle to secure funding for their operations, which can impact the quality and scope of their services. It's important to explore a range of funding sources and to develop a sustainable financial model to support the club's work. It's important to be aware of the time commitment involved and to have realistic expectations about what can be achieved. Stray dog clubs may lack the expertise or experience needed to effectively care for the dogs, particularly if they are dealing with challenging cases. It's important to seek out training and support from experienced animal welfare organizations or professionals. Depending on the location and context, stray dog clubs may face legal challenges related to their activities. It's important to seek legal advice and to work collaboratively with local authorities to address any legal barriers.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

Being part of a stray dog club will be a life-changing experience for members. Members get the chance to acquire not only a sense of purpose, but also leadership skills. Club members also gain self-discovery and growth as they overcome challenges and achieve their goals together. Also, we change the school culture; students can build connections, and work towards a common goal with us. Additionally, the club can promote the school's commitment to community service, animal welfare, and social responsibility. An organization like ours makes a substantial impact on the community. We can reduce the number of stray dogs on the streets, improve public health and safety, and promote responsible pet ownership by rescuing and finding homes for them. We can also raise awareness about animal welfare issues and inspire others to act. Overall, we are a powerful source of good, and people and animals can benefit from it, as it can promote positive change.

6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

By creating our own educational and informational website, we participated in activities and research that elevated our knowledge in computing and societal involvement in general. We made sure to guarantee that our project standards were high enough as to rival professionally-made websites that serve the same purpose. The project as a whole was also a great testament to what our teachers and school have been trying to instill in us from the beginning of our academic journey, which is to satisfy and achieve the ability to combine our interests with a positive impact on our society. During this process, we learned how to assign leadership roles, provide positive and constructive feedback to other team members, work on team cohesion, and fully code our own website to meet the needs of any situation we might need for our club. Our teachers were also consequentially somewhat interested in our endeavors, and therefore they began tracking our progress and helping us in each of their class focuses. The combined efforts of our team and our homeroom and computer teacher allowed us to see the scope of our impact on our classmates and school. Soon, we became a legitimate model passion project club to all of our other peers. The Internet really is a difficult thing to grasp, but once mastered, it is, one of, if not the best, medias of information and influence the world has ever seen.

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Project Elements

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?

Surveys can be created and distributed through various online platforms, such as Google Forms or SurveyMonkey, to gather information from the community about their experiences with stray dogs, their perceptions of the issue, and their ideas for potential solutions. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, can be used to gather and share information about stray dogs in the community. Members of the club can post updates, photos, and videos of dogs they have encountered, and use hashtags to connect with others who are interested in the issue. Once data has been collected, tools such as Excel or Tableau can be used to analyze the data and identify patterns or trends. This can help us make more informed decisions about how to address the issue of stray dogs in their community.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.

The students that participate in Cyberfair spread their main idea of protecting and calling action for stray dogs both in person. First, we announced the donation activity in school. The members that are responsible for public relations went from class to class, disseminating the donation details, and persuading them to get in part of the event. Moreover, to make all the students in school acknowledge the stray dogs' situation now. Many students were involved in it, donating food for dogs, towels, and little toys. Second, we held a public donation, standing on Xinyi street. We chose that location due to the reason that it’s the most popular place. We didn’t actually earn a lot of money, but still, that’s not the main point. Our primary purpose of the donation is to be ambassadors for stray dogs.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

The club can educate the community on the importance of responsible pet ownership. This can help to reduce the number of strays in the future and improve the welfare of owned pets. The club can bring together members of the community who share a passion for animal welfare. This can help to build relationships and create a sense of community around the issue of stray dogs. Stray dogs can be a safety concern, especially if they are aggressive or carry diseases. By caring for stray dogs and reducing their numbers, the club can help to create a safer community for residents and their pets. The club can educate the public about the issues facing stray dogs, such as the overpopulation problem and the importance of sterilization. This can raise awareness and encourage people to take action.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

The club organizes outreach programs to raise awareness about stray dogs in the community. This can involve distributing flyers or organizing events to educate people about the importance of caring for stray dogs. The club can actively recruit volunteers to assist with various activities such as feeding, caring for, and rescuing stray dogs. This can be done through social media, community events, or word-of-mouth. As part of its efforts to care for stray dogs, the club can organize fundraising events. This can include bake sales, charity auctions, or even benefit concerts. The club can work with local shelters or animal rescue organizations to help find homes for stray dogs. This can involve organizing adoption events or providing information on how to adopt a stray dog. The club can manage community service projects involving the local community caring for stray dogs. This can include building shelters, cleaning up areas where stray dogs live, or providing food and water. The club can advocate for the rights of stray dogs and push for legislation that supports their welfare. You can use social media or write letters to the editor to raise awareness or work with local politicians. By involving other community members, a stray dog club can expand its reach and significantly impact caring for stray dogs.

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