A delegation representing volunteers from five African nations expressed its gratitude for Taiwan’s dedicated and longstanding efforts to eliminate hunger and poverty worldwide during a visit to the Council of Agriculture under the Executive Yuan Nov. 17 in Taipei City.
Comprising members from Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland—a diplomatic ally of the Republic of China (Taiwan)—and Zimbabwe, the delegation presented bags fashioned from rice sacks bearing the slogan Love from Taiwan to COA Secretary-General Liao An-ding and Deputy Director-General of the COA’s Agriculture and Food Agency Lin Li-fang.
According to the COA, a number of international food aid projects has been launched by Taiwan since 2002 in line with standards set down by World Trade Organization and U.N. World Food Program.
In addition, the COA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have arranged the donation of 300,000 tons of rice to 33 countries over the past 14 years through a network of nongovernmental organizations. These include Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation, Rotary International, ROC Red Cross Society, Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps, Taiwan's Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation, World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce, World Vision Taiwan and World League for Freedom and Democracy.
A total 17,300 tons of rice has been donated to 18 countries year-to-date by the COA, MOFA, World Vision and WTCC, according to council statistics.
Gladys Ngema, a senior volunteer from Durban in South Africa, said the handmade bags are a symbol of gratitude and represent the recycling of materials and love. “As corn or corn starch is the staple food in Africa, rice donations [from Taiwan] eased our hunger and were considered ambrosia of great value.”
In response, Liao said as a responsible member of the global community, Taiwan is making tremendous contributions to combating global challenges such as poverty and hunger. “This NGO collaborative model enables Taiwan to overcome political challenges and effectively provide international aid to meet the needs of different regions,” Liao said.
The delegation was organized by Tzu Chi, which was established as a religious sect based on traditional Buddhist teachings 50 years ago by Dharma Master Cheng Yen in Hualien County, eastern Taiwan. It is now a widely respected international organization offering spiritual guidance and services spanning charity, education, disaster relief, environmental protection and medical care in more than 90 countries. (SCK-E)
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