TRA old dormitory quarters – Dashu community dream

In mid-December 2015, the open ground adjoining TRA’s old dormitory quarters adjacent to Jiuqutang Station in Kaohsiung came alive with the hubbub of bustling locals, a sight seldom seen in the area. The spot marks the location of “No. 73 Fuxing Street” or “Dashu Friendship Space”, which is currently holding an opening celebration and flea market. This community building work is the brainchild of Huang Hui-zhu (黃惠珠), locally know as “Energy Mother (活力媽媽)”.

With an aim to create a space for art, culture and community activities, Huang began renting TRA’s old dormitory quarters back in August 2015. Currently, each Friday the space is transformed into Dashu Lecture Hall, where locals meet to infuse some neighborly spirit back into the community. Though Huang is generally accustomed to working quietly by herself, she realized that it was time to hold a grand opening and invite locals to come and participate.

However, behind all the noise and excitement there always lies a sad side, and although business at the old dormitory quarters has gradually picked up, the monthly rent is still a heavy burden to bear. In spite of this, Huang Hui-zhu and the other community volunteer moms’ dream for Dashu is still very much alive. For now, they are prepared to bite the bullet in the hope that this difficult first year phase will pass soon. 

TRA old dormitory quarters – Dashu community dream

URL：https://www.peopo.org/news/299009

(以下是中文對照)

台鐵舊宿舍 大樹社區夢

照片

2015年12月中，高雄大樹九曲堂火車站前的台鐵舊宿舍旁空地，難得人聲鼎沸熱鬧滾滾，這是「復興街七十三號」「大樹友善空間」正在舉辦開幕及跳蚤市場活動。有「大樹活力媽媽」稱號的黃惠珠，在地耕耘社區營造工作，從2015年8月租下台鐵舊宿舍，打造為當地藝文與社區活動空間，固定在每週五晚間開設「大樹講堂」，來活絡社區鄰里情感。她雖習慣於默默做事，但轉念一想還是辦次盛大開幕昭告大樹鄉親一同來參與。

風光熱鬧的背後總有不為人知心酸的一面，雖然舊宿舍的經營已漸有起色，但每個月的房租費用仍然是筆沈重的負擔，不過黃惠珠和社區志工媽媽們心中的大樹社區夢初衷依舊鮮活，大夥咬緊牙關，期望渡過第一年草創艱苦期間。