Passionate social enterprise reinvigorates Dashu community

A number of years ago, a former old Taiwan Railways' dormitory building located at Jiuqutang Railway Station in Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, was rented by a local woman to establish a social enterprise called “No.73 Fuxing Street” (復興街七十三號).” Since that time, the building has undergone a radical transformation, with brightly colored murals now embellishing the perimeter walls and art pieces decorating the courtyard. No.73 Fuxing Street has been working hard to solve issues affecting the community, which include a shortage of agricultural workers, a lack of women’s employment opportunities, and few options for tourists visiting the area.

With this in mind, No.73 Fuxing Street has worked to improve the agricultural domain and cooperated with travel agencies to promote local tourism, putting together a number of hands-on tours that allow people to experience the fun of harvesting crops. On top of this, a number of other initiatives have been implemented, including opening craft classes to teach women new skills so they can become teachers or find steady jobs; designing a range of Dashu postcards to sell as tourist souvenirs; and establishing art installations in the green space around the station to boost the area’s cultural atmosphere.

以下為中文對照

位於高雄市大樹區的九曲堂火車站前，有一棟古老的建築，本來是台鐵的舊宿舍，近幾年，復興街七十三號社會企業租下這間舊房子，在圍牆四周塗上鮮艷的彩繪，並在庭院擺上裝置藝術，為這個破舊的地方添加新的色彩，復興街七十三號同時也致力於改善大樹區農業缺工的困境，促進婦女就業以及增加遊客觀光率，希望能解決大樹區的社區問題。

除了農業方面的改善，復興街七十三號也推動了許多大樹深度小旅行，讓遊客可以到農田體驗採收，並與旅行社合作，促進觀光。他們也設置了婦女技藝班，讓婦女可以學習技藝，取得師資，有一份穩定的工作。在文創方面，設計四十款屬於大樹的明信片，並在車站前設計綠地和裝置藝術，增添大樹文化氣息。