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Real Connections, Real Growth

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Real Connections, Real Growth

When Ting came to The Mustard Mission's (MSM) "Design Thinking x Empathy" workshop, she was searching for a way to connect with her younger sister. Every attempt to discuss school or future plans seemed to backfire, leaving both sisters frustrated and distant. Through the workshop, Ting began to understand that empathy isn't about giving "right" advice but about listening openly and without judgment. By making a few gentle shifts in how she approached their conversations, listening fully and encouraging her sister to express herself, their bond slowly strengthens.

Why Empathy Matters

This workshop, part of our Youth Ignite initiative, was created for youth like Ting who are navigating an increasingly isolated world. Digital devices and social media have made connecting easier in some ways, yet today's youth—especially those who missed out on building in-person social skills due the pandemic—often find themselves struggling with real-life communication. Many young people now face heightened social anxiety, relying heavily on virtual interactions and unintentionally creating cycles of isolation.

This workshop taught empathy as an active skill, paired with the design thinking framework, helped participants improve social and problem-solving abilities. Through guided exercises, they practiced seeing others' perspectives, resolving conflicts with compassion, and building stronger, more genuine relationships.

For Min, a reserved young man who often felt disconnected, the workshop marked a turning point. During the sessions, he opened up about his struggles with relationships, and through the design thinking exercises, he learned to show his past self more compassion. He described this process as "crossing a bridge" over long-standing emotional barriers, leaving him feeling more confident and ready to connect with others.

Ting and Min sharing the incredible results of what they've learned with everyone.

Empowering the next generation of Youth

Our Youth Ignite program is a holistic initiative to equip young people with essential life skills, from career readiness to resilience and social confidence. Through workshops like these, we aim to empower youth to build lives rooted in self-confidence and empathy, reducing the isolation that has become all too common.

But we can't do this alone. Support from people like you allows us to continue offering these transformative resources to Taiwan's youth. Together, we're nurturing a generation ready to move forward with compassion and strength. Let's connect our youth in real, meaningful ways.

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