With Children's Day just around the corner, the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families is honoring 23 individuals, who experienced great hardship in their lives, but are strong enough to move forward with a positive attitude.

This 15-year-old has bright red hands which are cracked in the winter as every day after class Ya-ping goes to the beauty salon to become an apprentice.

Each head she washed earns her 30 NT$, and a monthly salary of 5,000 NT$.

This helps pay for the family's rent and other expenses as her grandmother thanks this granddaughter and without her, they would have nothing to eat and would be homeless.

Ya-ping says her contribution is nothing, simply part of her filial duties.

Another brave young person is Heng-you who is a first grader and helps her 70 year-old grandmother recycle.

Despite a young age, this child has great ambition and is quite a good helper.

Another courageous and optimistic child is fifth grader, of Yan Jun, who in first grade suffered a car accident and is paralyzed from below the waist. After lots of difficult rehabilitation work, he is now smiling, and happy to go to school.

Today, the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families recognized 23 out