Six Years of Small Steps, giant strides for Cai

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Six Years of Small Steps, giant strides for Cai

To someone on the outside, Cai’s progress might look like small steps —saying hello, completing a task, speaking in full sentences. But if you saw the boy 6 years ago, then you will understand how far he has come.

A Quiet Beginning

Now 15 and in his first year of vocational high school studying auto mechanics, Cai has been living at the Agape Children's Home for six years. By the time he arrived, he had already faced a difficult start. Diagnosed with developmental delay, especially in language organization, he struggled to keep up in school and connect with peers. At home, long-term financial instability and a lack of parental care stripped him of the sense of stability and security, crucial for youth development. Cai felt alone, ignored, and unable to express his needs.

Confidence Built Through Daily Practice

Following professional evaluation, Cai was placed in the children’s home. Here, everything started small. He was given a nurturing environment and well-rounded care, designed to meet him where he was with daily guidance, emotional counseling, and social skills training. Cai slowly began to open up, gaining confidence in the small, everyday wins.

Weekly activities such as rollerblading and life skills sessions helped him gradually improve physical coordination, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities. During summer and winter breaks, Cai also spent time at Trinity Agri-Food Dream Base. There, he learned not only how to care for animals and crops, but also how to focus, communicate with mentors, and feel capable in his work.

He also participated in baking classes and local fundraising events, where he practiced patience and precision. Eventually, he surprised everyone by speaking to customers—answering questions, introducing products, and even initiating conversations. A major breakthrough for a child who once chose silence in almost every group setting.

Left: Cai looking after chickens at Trinity Agri-Food Dream Base.
Right: Cai organizing tool at Trinity Agri-Food Dream Base.

Small Start to Steady Growth

Cai’s growth did not stop there. Through self- guided travel activities and admin helper tasks, he learned to better manage time, collaborate with others, and be independent. All this improvement also strengthened his confidence and self-belief.

At school, the change became visible as well. Once disengaged and hesitant, Cai now shows interest and determination in his auto mechanics courses. He asks teachers for help when he encounters difficulties, participates in group activities, and proudly shares his completed work with others.

Moving Forward, in His Own Time

Today, Cai still moves at his own pace. But he moves forward, with greater emotional regulation, growing self-confidence, and a readiness to try. One of his social workers put it best: “When I first met Cai, he was extremely quiet—almost afraid to speak…Now, he carries hope in his heart and works toward his dreams. His journey shows us that when children are given the right support and opportunities, it’s only a matter of time before they begin to shine.”

Time Matters

In an age where quick results are often prioritized, Cai reminds us that real growth takes time. He is proof that even when progress appears slow, what matters is that it continues. When children are given space, patience, and consistent care, they will move forward at their own pace.

Cai is not the only child who deserves this grace. With your support, we can continue providing care for more children like him, creating a space where Taiwan’s next generation can grow—perhaps on a different timeline, but never left behind.

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Cai introduces museum artifacts to a foreign volunteer.

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