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Youths embark on journey of independence

Sixth-graders from Haituan Elementary School, Taitung County, start their 140km bicycle trip from Taitung to Hualien yesterday to celebrate their graduation. PHOTO: CNA

Eleven sixth-grade students from Haituan Elementary School in Taitung County bade farewell to their parents and other students yesterday, setting off on a journey of independence -- a final lesson before graduation.

The lesson takes place over a three-day, 140km long bicycle trip from rural Haituan Township (海端) to Liyutan (鯉魚潭) -- a scenic attraction in Hualien County -- where the five boys and six girls will be presented with their school diplomas.

Wang Lai-kuei (王來貴), the oldest oracle of the Bunun tribe in Haituan, officiated over a tribal ceremony, praying for blessings for the youths while holding the right hand of each in the hope that they would have a happy and safe journey.

Haituan Elementary School principal Lee Chih-kuo (李治國) stressed that no matter how foul the weather gets, the journey must continue because it is a test of the students' tenacity and willpower.

It will be a chance for the students to learn independence, their last lesson before graduation, Lee said.

On the first day, the students -- accompanied by their teacher and the school principal -- are to ride north along Provincial Highway No.9 for 60km until they reach Jueisuei Township (瑞穗), Hualien.

On the second day, they will ride another 70km on to Hualien City where they will spend the night.

On the final day, the group will ride to Liyutan, collect their diplomas and then head for home -- on a bus.

Lee said that before being able to take part in the bike tour all of the participants had to undergo a rigorous and tough physical training program, including jogging up to 3km every day.

One of the young cyclists, Yu Wen-lung (余文龍), who stands less than 140cm tall, is riding on a borrowed bike. Nevertheless, Yu said that he is confident of completing the challenge.

Lee Tse (李澤), who will be riding on a leased bike, also expressed confidence in his ability to finish the journey.

He has trained for the trip by riding back and forth between Haituan, Taitung and Chihpen (知本) in Taitung County.
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