Taiwan Youth Want To Work With Vulnerable

DURING their annual visit to Saint Lucia, Taiwanese Youth Ambassadors last week met with the Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Transformation, Local Government and Community Empowerment.

The delegation was accompanied by James Chang, Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan to Saint Lucia.

One youth ambassador majoring in Civic Education in Taiwan, took the opportunity to explore the possibility of sharing her knowledge and skills for the improvement of vulnerable people in Saint Lucia.

Taiwanese Youth Ambassador, Millie said: “Social protection and social safety are all in my field of study. As an undergraduate, our department always teaches us to have a compassionate heart. So I am wondering whether there are any opportunities for us to share our expertise with our island friend Saint Lucia, either as volunteers during our period of study, or to be engaged with job opportunities once we graduate.”

Her inquiry was met with marked enthusiasm by Minister Harold Dalson, who said: “Social work in small developing countries like ours is always very important and also very necessary and so, somebody like you who is studying to be an expert in that field, we will gladly welcome to Saint Lucia. I am certain that we can make the necessary arrangements between our two countries as to the terms and conditions, but certainly your contribution will be most welcomed.”

Another suggestion from a Taiwanese student (majoring in Special Education) that was well received by Ministry officials was the inclusion of a group of differently-abled or vulnerable youth from Saint Lucia in next year’s cultural exchange programme.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Transformation, Ms. Juliana Alfred said: “We work with a number of Special Education centres and they use the arts as therapy for these young people, so if we can do a dance programme with you, I think that is something we can facilitate. Even in the after school programme administered by this Ministry where we cater to youth in vulnerable communities, we do a lot in the arts including music and dance, so that is another way in which we can collaborate.”

The group was briefed on the work of the Ministry, while they provided feedback on their observations and experience in Saint Lucia (GIS).