The YMCA is in Taiwan. There is a YMCA hotel which is cheap and actually pretty nice. There is a YMCA learning center where you can learn some foreign languages. There are some government sports centers (gym, swimming pool, basketball, badminton, etc) which seem to have a cooperation with YMCA. Or maybe better to say YMCA had some sports centers and the government decided to take their experience and make some bigger and updated sports centers.
They also have a lot of activities for kids (both boys and girls). A lot of outdoor events to build confidence, that best can be described as a lot like the boy/girl scouts. It all is quite impressive, but the sad thing is that nobody even knows about these services that the YMCA offers here. I knew only a tiny bit, but most of the things I know, I learned a few minutes ago when I looked it all up.
The reason I looked it all up is because of the place above, "Young Party." Despite it's unfortunate name, it's actually a pretty cool place. Most of the building is a sports center for anybody to use, but the upper floors is a space specifically for young people.
Basically it's a library full of books and materials that kids like, and most of the space is computers for kids to play computer games. This may seem like it defeats the purpose of kids going out of the home to do something, but it's supplies a safe place for them to spend time. And it's monitored so you don't have to worry about your kid playing too much.
But they also appear to have some really good programs to help kids, such as programs for kids with ADHD. This is a big thing cause in taiwan there really is no such thing as ADHD. Not meaning that no kids have it, but rather that even if they do, it's not perceived as a real thing here, so those kids aren't give much help. Even parents and teachers don't want to face the reality of the situation, which makes it even worse for the kids.
I admire the work that both this center and the YMCA are trying to do here. Giving people more help, in areas where traditional culture feels that people shouldn't be helped. I hope that over time more and more people (parents and teachers) will become aware of their services.
