The International Volunteer Society of Hsinchu City-based National Tsinghua University was honored at the Belize Youth Awards held in Belize City Nov. 29, spotlighting its work improving educational standards in Taiwan’s Central American ally.
Organized by Belize’s Department of Youth Services, the Belize Youth Awards recognize young leaders aged between 15 and 29 years old who have acted as role models across areas including education, health care, human rights and technology.
This year’s awards featured the inaugural prize for best international volunteer service team won by NTHU’s IVS. On hand to receive the honor were two student representatives, Huang Sheng-fen and Huang Cheng-tai, with Ambassador Chen Li-kuo also in attendance representing Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the awards ceremony, Belize’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Patrick Faber said the achievements of IVS over the nine years the group has operated in the country have been key to driving educational development. He also took the time to thank Taiwan for its long-standing friendship and support.
Established in 2007, IVS was the first international volunteer group founded by a Taiwan university. To date, it has sent more than 600 students abroad to serve in countries including Belize, Kenya, Malaysia and Tanzania. (RAY-E)
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