TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Children across Taiwan are trading traditional summer cram schools for television studios this August. Dozens of young students have discovered an innovative alternative to conventional academic programs through TVBS's inaugural English-language weather reporting camp. The 4-day program transforms aspiring meteorologists into confident on-camera presenters while building essential English communication skills.
The TVBS Kids Weather summer program challenges participants to master meteorological vocabulary before stepping in front of professional cameras. Students gathered at Neihu Sports Center (內湖運動中心) and TVBS studios from Wednesday through Saturday (Aug. 13-16) to develop broadcast journalism skills alongside language proficiency. The intensive curriculum combines English learning with hands-on media production, giving kids a unique break from Taiwan's competitive school environment.
Dimitri Bruyas, head of English News Team at TVBS News, leads instruction alongside educators from 51Talk, an English language educational company. Interactive games and speaking activities build student confidence while developing practical communication skills. Participants practice reporting on fictional Typhoon Dragon's approach to Taiwan, a scenario particularly relevant given the island's frequent typhoon encounters during the summer months.
"Summer offers the perfect chance for kids to learn English in a fun way," said Bruyas. "Our camp helps children master intonation and expression through games and practice, leading up to presenting a weather report on camera for their friends and family." The program emphasizes practical application over passive screen time consumption. "Rather than spending hours on screens, children can put their classroom lessons to work and practice speaking English in real situations," he explained on the sidelines of the intensive training sessions.
"I wanted to improve my English expression and I thought [the program] looked like fun. So I decided to come and give it a try," said one student, Gina Kao (高靜雯). Student enthusiasm remains consistently high throughout the program's duration. "The teachers are all very nice, there are lots of activities, and I understand more about English broadcasts. I also found it very fun and made new friends, so I really like it here. I hope I can come next time."
TVBS launched its first English-language children's weather program as community outreach while promoting meteorological awareness among younger generations. Senior staff writer Xuxa Yu (俞璟瑤) and camera operators teach fundamental journalism principles and recording techniques to aspiring broadcasters. Television host Hui-Yun Peng (彭惠筠) and reporter Tingting Liu (劉亭廷) refine presentation skills, culminating in confident English-language Typhoon Dragon forecasts on Saturday (Aug. 16).
Educational specialists from 51Talk collaborate with TVBS to enhance student language development throughout the intensive program. "Parents want us to hold these programs, because summer break is here, and parents want their kids to participate in some events. We're really honored to partner with TVBS this time," explained Gina Li (李鈺惠), the Taiwan manager of 51Talk. The partnership prioritizes peer interaction and skill demonstration opportunities beyond traditional classroom constraints.
Weather communication skills prove essential for daily life, particularly when expressing meteorological concepts in English for international audiences. Taiwan faces frequent natural disasters, including typhoons and earthquakes, significantly impacting island life. Climate change continues to alter traditional weather patterns, making meteorological literacy increasingly crucial for current students who will navigate these environmental challenges throughout their adult lives.
TVBS continues offering annual educational programming for young participants, and interested families are encouraged to monitor future opportunities. Summer vacation concludes as students prepare for the academic year's resumption across Taiwan's school system. These newly trained weather reporters possess enhanced confidence and practical communication abilities that will serve them well throughout the upcoming academic challenges ahead.