Workshop paper on Youth Volunteerism in Taiwan presented at the 11th IAVE A-P Regional Conference
11th IAVE Asia Pacific Regional Volunteer Conference, Nagoya-Aichi
General Interest Workshop 8 on Youth Volunteerism in Taiwan
December 9, 2007 15:15-17:15
Youth volunteerism in Taiwan
Impoverished Youth in Voluntary Services
Once the helpless becomes helpers today - based on the cases from Taiwan Fund for Children and Families
by Hui-Yuan Weng, Taiwan Fund for Children and Families
Established in 1950 and with the mission of supporting needy and physically/mentally abused children and youth, Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF) has helped 170,000 domestic and foreign ones up to the present. Most TFCF-supported children and youth are from single female families with insufficient living skills and resources from relatives or friends. Due to the deficiency of various resources, their children are often forced to grow up in an environment where material, living, mental and social needs are relatively less provided for an extended period. Besides, the deprivation of chances for social participation has made them develop negative faith in themselves easily and thus decreased their competitiveness and chances to get rid of poverty.
We are convinced that everyone has their potential and with proper recourses and chances they could progress, change and improve their abilities to adapt themselves with environment. Voluntary services are best medium for caring others and self-progress; it can also increase school-age youths’ confidence and self-values. Even those from lengthy poverty-stricken families are able to turn from helpless to helpers and reach self-actualization by participating voluntary services.
Contents
- Youth Volunteer’s Potential and Strength-based Perspective
- Helpless Become Helpers － “After-school Tutoring Services”
- Benefits of College Youth Tutoring Services
- The Impact Youth Voluntary Services to NGO
- Conclusion and Goal
(download the full paper below)
