Water Buffalo School

The Water Buffalo School, located in Xinpu Township, was founded by Principal Li Chun-hsin. Witnessing the gradual decline of traditional water buffalo farming culture, he dedicated himself to its revival, inviting children of all ages to return to rural life. Here, they can bond with buffalo and practice nature education that fosters land stewardship. The school offers life education through one-day experience camps and winter/summer camps. The curriculum covers understanding various buffalo farming tools and natural farming methods. Young herders learn to lead, graze, ride, and tether buffalo, as well as massage them, clean their sheds, prepare hay, dry buffalo dung, and build close relationships with them. Through interacting and working with the buffalo, children gain an understanding of the animals' temperament and energy, discovering the mysteries of life and developing an appreciation for the land. Beyond buffalo farming, the Water Buffalo School's curriculum also features activities like pigeon post, nature exploration, chopping wood for wilderness cooking, and art activities such as making buffalo dung incense and handmade buffalo dung paper, all designed to immerse participants in rural leisure. Furthermore, children are guided to use tools and knot-tying skills to construct traditional climbing houses, fostering teamwork and the joy of skillfully employing traditional methods.