A total 590 volunteers of Taiwan expatriate descent are undergoing training at Taipei City-based Chientan Youth Activity Center in readiness for English teaching assignments throughout remote parts of the country.
Recruited under the Overseas Youth English Teaching Volunteer Service Program in Taiwan, the volunteers will take up two-week positions at 81 elementary and junior high schools in 16 cities and counties. They hail from Australia, diplomatic ally Belize, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, the U.K. and U.S.
During a reception for the volunteers at the Office of the President July 3 in Taipei, Vice President Chen Chien-jen praised them for their commitment and strengthening ties between Taiwan and expatriate communities. The contributions and love of these young people, as well as those of the nation’s extended family abroad, are playing a key role in raising Taiwan’s profile and expanding its international space, he said.
According to Chen, the government is leaving no stone unturned in supporting overseas communities and views them as important conduits for promoting Taiwan’s democracy, freedom-loving way of life and vibrant culture. The country needs a strong foreign support base deeply dedicated to building bridges with like-minded friends and partners, he said, adding that this mission has taken on even greater significance given recent political developments.
The vice president urged the volunteers to take full advantage of this special opportunity and keep an open mind at all times. By exchanging opinions and perspectives, teachers and students will broaden their horizons, and deepen mutual appreciation and understanding, he said.
Such positive interaction shapes future generations and lays the foundation for even closer cooperation between Taiwan and the rest of the world, Chen said. It is also the only way to truly understand Taiwan’s spirit and spotlight this on the global stage, he added.
Launched by the Overseas Community Affairs Council in 2004, the annual program is staged in conjunction with the Cabinet-level Council of Indigenous Peoples, Hakka Affairs Council and Ministry of Education. To date, it has sent 4,820 volunteers to 213 schools benefiting more than 30,000 students. (SFC-E)
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