In brief, this charity, The BookHouse, was set up to help underprivileged children in Taidong, which lies on the east coast of Taiwan. ALang and my father are life-long friends, who both grew up in Taidong. I visited ALang in Taiwan in 2013 and then again in 2016, when I learnt more about the great work he is doing. I was unaware of the struggle going on in my homeland and the injustice happening to these children. Whilst visiting these BookHouses I gained a huge respect for what this organisation was trying to achieve, pushing me to help these dedicated people accomplish what they are trying to do.

The idea for The BookHouse, began in 1999, when ALang returned to Taidong and came across families where children were living with consequences of parents who struggled with alcoholism, domestic violence and mental health. These children were starting life from a disadvantaged place, often not eating regular meals and receiving no support with their education. As a result, such children often need to be sent to their grandparents in rural areas to be raised. They've been neglected by their family, schools, teachers and lost their way. Their life lacks any purpose and can be unruly. Initially, ALang began spending time with these children and then, along with like-minded people, ALang set up a rudimentary drop-in centre, similar to a social community centre, where these young people, including his own two sons, could access music, after-school tutorials and clubs.

In 2007, the group set up the Taidong Education Development Committee and created 'The BookHouse', with the children designing the first sign board. Since then the project has become formally recognised by the Government Education Authority, which initially worked with organisations, including The Book House, to promote a community-wide project, targeting primary and secondary school children.

Now The BookHouse offers tutorials to children and young people, particularly focusing on Maths, English and Chinese as well as experimental reading classes. In addition, the children can also learn self-defence, computing or just relax, chatting, playing music and dancing. They can even help look after chickens!

The BookHouse really offers a safe haven for these children, where they can access a life they would otherwise be denied. I wish to help those who dedicate their lives to helping these kids.

For those who understand Chinese there is a clip of how and why ALang (Chen Junlang) set up this charity https://www.bookhouse.org.tw/about/history and they have a Facebook page which gives more up-to-date information of the work and activities that are being provided for the children http://www.facebook.com/bookhouse.org.tw/posts.