Every student deserves to be heard.
SpeakUp is a student-run initiative in Taipei that teaches children public speaking and English reading, and brings the same teaching to children's homes and charity partners.
Why we do this
Speaking up is a skill, and most students are never taught it. SpeakUp gives children in Taipei a place to practice: standing in front of a room, organizing a thought, and saying it in English. We pair that with reading programs that pull children away from short-form video and into books, and with visits to children who have fewer chances to learn this way.
Three ways we teach
Public speaking course
A six-week course that takes students from their first introduction to public speaking to a final presentation on a topic they care about. Along the way they work on nerves, speech structure, visual aids, and giving each other feedback.
Reading and literacy
Reading classes, book exchanges run with Scholastic, and a Christmas reading competition. Children trade screens for books and find out where their English stands.
Community outreach
Visits and charity events with children's homes and with groups supporting children with autism and intellectual disabilities. We teach through crafts, art, and English conversation.
Every session we have run
A dated record of our courses, reading events, and outreach since September 2023. Select a session for details and photos.
Why SpeakUp exists
I started SpeakUp after noticing that many local Taiwanese students are excellent at science, math, reading, and memorization, yet struggle when it comes to conveying their own ideas.
So I designed SpeakUp to teach them public speaking and how to be effective communicators. Students learn through fun activities and a planned curriculum that builds toward a presentation on something they are truly passionate about.
Team
Contact
Want to join a SpeakUp lesson, or have SpeakUp visit your school or organization? Email me:
stanleychiu0506@gmail.com