2008年11月6日 星期四

WELCOME TO VISIT EDEN!

ON Oct.28 Americans Humpty Dumpty Institute and Northwest Mycological Consultants, Inc with secretary of MOFA came to visit Eden foundation. Eden foundation board member MR.YE welcomed the party of NGO leader and introduced Eden Foundation history and service with video. After being more familiar with Eden foundation development and status, guests showed interest in Eden foundation international affair. Especially Humpty Dumpty Institute involved in anti-mine action as Eden did. Humpty Dumpty Institute President MR. Cwerman addressed that their program not only removed mine but cultivated fungi in Vietnam,which reconstructs victims' lives and vitalize whole community. Besides they also put emphasis on girls' basic education, then discussing with the director of International Development Division MR. Lin about future cooperation. Then the party visitd two centers in Eden Foundation headquarter ; one is Eden Club House, which served people with mental disorder.And the other is Wang-Fang Center ,which provides talented disabled people with lessons about painting skills In Eden Club House Staff here introduced the service process In Wang-Fang Center Guest admired the beautiful patinting
.
All people took a picture in Wang-Fang Center and ended the harmoniously visit

2008年11月3日 星期一

“Riding with Hope” Cycling Round Island Charity Trip

Eden and Nan Shan Life Insurance Company raising funds for people with disabilitiesCycling round Taiwan Island is a dream of many among us, but this is a dream too far away for people with disabilities. In order to find the lost mobility for them, Eden and Nan Shan Life Insurance Company co-organized again “Riding with Hope” cycling round island charity trip. This year, 50 participants cycled around Taiwan in 12 days to raise funds for people with disabilities.
From Sep. 20th to Oct. 1st, the “Riding with Hope” Cycling Round Island Charity Trip raised funds for the “Finding the Lost Mobility Fund Raising Project” which aims to collect funds for assistive technologies like white cane, wheelchair and accessible bus. The project’s goal is to raise 10 million NTD; so far we have raised 6 million NTD and will need more support from the society. Join us to find the lost mobility for people with disabilities by providing them with efficient assistive technologies.Stories from “Riding with Hope” Cycling Round Island Charity Trip are published on the blog:http://www.eden.org.tw/bike2008 (in Chinese)
Donation Hotline: +886-(02)25784515#206

2008年10月2日 星期四

「國際接軌‧權利躍進」國際研討會報名資訊

一、時間:97年12月8日(一)、9日(二)
二、地點: 台大醫院國際會議中心(臺北市徐州路2號)
三、內容:
A.國際身障者倡議—主題演講、國際權利論壇
B.台灣身障者倡議--台灣身心障礙者國事論壇發布及
簽署台灣身心障礙者權利宣言
C.權利方案分享--國內外經驗分享

四、主辦單位:社團法人中華民國殘障聯盟
五、合辦單位:伊甸社會福利基金會
六、費用:新台幣1000元,身心障礙者及殘盟會員團體800元。
當天現場報名者2000元。(含講義、餐費、茶點、現場即時翻譯費用)。
七、參加對象:身心障礙者、專家學者、身心障礙團體從業人員,計180人
八、報名方式:

1.報名時間:(1)自97年10月1日至10月31日止(僅開放身心障礙者報名)
(2)自97年11月1日至11月30日止
(開放身心障礙者、專家學者、身心障礙團體從業人員報名)

2.請選擇下列一項方式進行繳款報名,報名後除名額已滿外,恕不退費:
(1)匯 款:電匯帳號:
銀行戶名:中國信託商業銀行公館分行
電匯戶名:社團法人中華民國殘障聯盟

匯款後,請填寫報名表,並將匯款收據浮貼於報名表匯款單據據 黏貼處,傳真至(02)23697190或將電匯證明掃描連同報名表(如附件)以e-mail寄送至minglong@enable.org.tw
(2)現金袋:請至郵局購買現金袋,將報名費用連同報名表寄送至中華民國殘障聯盟(10647台北市大安區羅斯福路三段281號9樓)

3.主辦單位將於收到繳費證明及報名表2-3天內以e-mail回覆。
4.洽詢電話:殘盟:古明龍社工 (02)2369-7110*22
伊甸:周庭妤小姐 (02)2578-4515*206

2008年9月15日 星期一

2008 Eden Social Welfare Foundation Foreign Volunteer Recruit Information

Eden Social Welfare Foundation provides “comprehensive human care” for people between the ages of 0-65, including vocational training, employment service, rehabilitation, early intervention, long-term care service, new immigrant service, and community reconstruction for disaster victims. The international cooperation center recruits foreigners in Taiwan to serve in Ai-De Nursing Center, New Immigration Development Center and Joy Service Center for the Visually Impaired.

Service Program (1) Ai-De Nursing Service Center
Description: Ai De Nursing Service Center is located just a short bus ride away from Danshui MRT. This center cares for persons with severe disabilities and the elderly. Volunteers will have the opportunity to help the nursing staff in many ways.

Project #1 Ball Sport
Time: Monday 09:30-10:30
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Play ball with the residents

Project #2 Computer Class
Time: Monday 09:30-10:30
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Teach the residents the basic computer software

Project #3 Movie Time
Time: Monday 14:00-16:00
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Watch movie with the residents
Project #4 Ball Sport
Time: Tuesday 09:30-10:30
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Play ball with the residents

Project #5 Computer Class
Time: Tuesday 09:30-10:30
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Teach the residents the basic computer software

Project #6 Paper Art Class
Time: Tuesday 09:30-10:30
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Help the art teacher runs the class for the residents.

Project #7 Karaoke
Time: Tuesday 14:00-16:00
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Help nursing stuff to run a Karaoke event

Project #8 Rehabilitation
Time: Wednesday 09:30-10:30
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Help nursing stuff to run rehabilitation

Project #9 Handmade Soap Class
Time: Wednesday 14:30-16:00
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Help the teacher to teach a Handmade Soap class to the residents

Project #10 Movie Time
Time: Wednesday 14:00-16:00
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Watch movie with the residents

Project #11 Straw Art Class
Time: Thursday 09:30-10:30
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Help the teacher to run a Straw Art class for the residents.

Project #12 Straw Art Class
Time: Thursday 09:30-10:30
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Help the teacher to run a Straw Art class for the residents.

Project #13 Clay Class
Time: Thursday 14:00-16:30
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Help the teacher to run a clay class for the residents.

Project #14 Cook Class
Time: Thursday 14:00-16:30
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Help the teacher to run a cook class for the residents.

Project #15 Rehabilitation
Time: Friday 09:30-10:30
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Help nursing stuff to run rehabilitation

Project #16 Karaoke
Time: Friday 14:00-16:00
Volunteers Needed: 6
Description: Help nursing stuff to run a Karaoke event


Address:
5F., No.300, Shalun Rd., Danshui Town, Taipei County 251, Taiwan



Service Program (2) New Immigration Development Center 
Description of Center: This center provides support to foreign spouses mostly from Vietnam to adjust to their new lives in Taiwan. The center holds counseling for foreign spouses and their children as well as after-school programs.

Project #1 After-school program in Taipei City (Near MRT YongChun Station)
Time: Tuesday16:00-18:00; Wednesday 12:00-17:00;Thursday 14:00-16:00
Volunteers Needed: 2 for each time section
Description: Work with low-income children in an after elementary school program. During the time will include doing fun activities and culture exchange class for 10 students from grade 1-4. This program also holds after school English tutoring.

Project #2 After-school program in Xindian (Near MRT Xindian City Hall Station)
Time: Wednesday 15:00-16:00
Volunteers Needed: 5
Description: Work with low-income children in an after-elementary-school program. The program includes fun activities and culture exchange class for 20 students from grade 3-6. This program also holds after-school English tutoring.

Project #3 After-school program in Mujha
Time: Wednesday 16:00-17:00
Volunteers Needed: 4
Description: Work with low-income children in an after-elementary-school program. The program includes fun activities and culture exchange class for 10 students from grade 3. This program also holds after-school English tutoring.


Requirements:
1. Basic to Conversational level of speaking Chinese.
2. Come to volunteer with energy and enthusiasm.
3. Be an independent worker.
4. Experience in working with children
5. Discuss children’s learning condition with staff once each month
Service Program (3) Joy Service Center for People with Visual Impairment
Description of Center: This center provides vocational training to the visually impaired. The Joy Choir is Eden’s famous chorale group with blind brothers in Christ. They are constantly traveling to different countries to perform their beautiful singing.

Project #1 English Conversation and Singing Course for Joy Chorale
Time: Tuesday 10:00-12:30
Volunteers Needed: 1
Description: Practice English conversation and teach English songs to the Joy Chorale group to help them improve their English skills.

Requirements:
1. Conversational Chinese
2. Energy and Enthusiasm in volunteering.
3. Desire to work with the visually impaired
4. Christian Prefer

Address: B1, No.4, Alley 1, Lane 199, Sec. 3, Bade Rd., Songshan District, Taipei City 105, Taiwan 
Service Program (4) International Cooperation Center
Description of Center: This center is responsible for the international aid, foreign volunteer, and accessible tourism. We need some volunteers to assist us with translation, proofreading, and data research, etc.


Project #1 English translation, proofreading, date research.
Time: Monday to Friday 10:00-12:30 or 14:00-17:00 (At least one day for each month)
Volunteers Needed: 1
Description: Translation, proofreading, and data research

Requirements:
1. English Ability.


Notice:
1.If you are interested in our service programs, please download the“Eden Foreigner Volunteer Application Form”from the English Website of Eden, and email the application form to dep354@mail.eden.org.tw Eden English Website:
http://engweb.eden.org.tw/
Under main menu, click “Events” then click “2008 Eden Social Welfare Foundation Foreign Volunteer Recruit Information”, there you will find the application form.
2. Contact information:
Tel: (02)25784515 ext205 Jochen, Lu

2008年9月8日 星期一

迴紋針男凱爾麥唐諾Dom的房子,跟你交換!

是的,我是迴紋針男凱爾麥唐諾,我跟我老婆決定要把用迴紋針換到的這棟房子,放在奇集集Kijiji網站上跟你交換! 我們沒有設定要換到什麼或要跟誰交換,歡迎大家提出任何有趣的提議! 請你刊登一則要交換的廣告在 「迴紋針男的房子」這個類別下,內容請寫中英文
這棟房子非常適合跟以下的人交換: - 有興趣住在這房子或用它來做生意的人 - 了解這棟房子是Kipling的觀光景點,並對這裡的居民有重要的意義
如果你想跟我以物易物換到這房子,請快行動吧! 我是說真的,我沒有什麼預設條件,任何的東西都有可能換到這個房子!
That's right, Dom and I are trading the red paperclip house. With who? For what? Well that's where things get interesting: We have no idea yet. I'm not looking for anything in particular in exchange for the house, it would be great to trade with somebody who: -Plans to live or operate a business in the house. -Understands the house is a tourist attraction in Kipling, and important to the community.
Really, I'm looking for nothing in particular, just to make a trade and see where this goes. So if you have anything you'd like to offer in exchange for the house, and I mean anything, be sure to send in your offer!
以下是這棟房子的詳細介紹: Details about the red paperclip house: Located at 503 Main Street in Kipling Saskatchewan Canada Fully furnished. Two floors + basement Three bedrooms Two bathrooms Refinished hardwood floors. Fridge, stove, sinks, drawers, shelves...all the regular kitchen stuff. Electricity! Large grass front yard + large grass backyard. Gas hot water tank + gas furnace. close proximity to schools, restaurants, grocery stores, hospital, etc. Kipling has most services in town. Giant red paperclip on the front lawn. located a stone's throw away from the world's largest red paperclip.
這則文章引用奇集集Kijiji免費分類廣告.

2008年9月3日 星期三

台大AIESCE參訪伊甸基金會心得

伊甸基金會對我們來說真是個充滿驚奇的地方。和其他的社福團體的感覺有些不同,特別親切 ^ ^兩次的諮詢都比原先預期的得到太多東西了。 針對新移民這個議題的本身,除了我們事前閱讀的資料,今天和基金會的工作人員的交流,藉著他們實際與新移民接觸的經驗,具像化了我們對字裡行間許多描述的想像,更加深了想關懷這個議題的熱情。媒體,對社福團體來說真像是雙面刃,如果沒有媒體的曝光,很難引起大眾注意,但媒體往往選擇了他們認為"值得報導"的素材加以放大,把社會現象描寫成社會問題是他們的專長,傷害總在他們有意無意的操控中造成。如何正面,快速,有效率的推廣新移民的議題,的卻值得深思。 謝謝伊甸,相信在未來的一年我們將因為和伊甸的交流與合作寫下生命中難以忘懷的一頁。
國際人才研習計劃專員 余宜家

080826伊甸基金會翻譯志工訓練課程-英翻中

伊甸基金會翻譯志工訓練課程-英翻中

複雜長句的譯法

-英文長句的表達方式:因為英文結構緊湊嚴密,常用連接詞、介系詞片語、分詞、不定詞片語、或關係代名詞等,連結主要子句與附屬子句。

-中文的長句表達方式:以簡短的句子,按時間先後,逐步交代前因後果。

-將英文長句翻譯成中文的方式:找出全句的中心思想,分析各環節間的關係,然後依據時間與邏輯順序,按照中文的敘述習慣重新排列組合。

1. 順序譯法:有時候中英文的邏輯與時間表達的方式順序相同,此時就可以先以概念為單位,將長句切斷,依照原本的順序翻譯即可。但要注意形容詞的位置,英文通常是後位修飾,中文則採前位修飾。

Translation exercise: A. The rapid spread of the virus, which has now erupted in ten Asian countries and killed eighty people, prompted the World Health Organization and two other international organizations to ask for money and expertise to fight an all-out war against it. B. Research by many experts shows that in comparison with people under long-term pressure, those who regularly practice relaxation techniques make approximately half as many trips to the hospital, have 80% less chance of contracting heart disease, and 50% less chance of getting cancer.

2. 逆序譯法:中英文敘事方式相反時,採用逆序譯法。

因果關係: 英文先說結果,再交代原因或條件;中文相反

評論或辯論: 英文先說結論或評語,才加以闡述;中文相反

時間子句:先說狀況,才交代時間;中文相反

句子重點: 英文先交代重點,在陳述次要或輔助的概念;中文相反,中文習慣先點明事情發生的時間、地點、原因、條件,將來龍去脈交代清楚,也就是會將主要概念放在後面。

Translation exercise: A. Expectations were high that the days were over when people had to pull cumbersome suitcases up the steps of highway crosswalks, dive down underground walkways and climb staircases to platform areas. B. Our steps in space have been a symbol of this country’s way of life as we open our doors and windows to the world to view our successes and failures and as we share with all nations our discovery.

3. 分句譯法: 將長句中某些很難順譯的部分,也許是單字、片語或分詞構句,從主要子句中拉出來,另外翻譯成一句,可以放在句首或句尾,使得譯文通暢,其他部分則可以採順序譯法。

Translation exercise: A. He strongly believed that museums have the potential to inspire their audience, to open people’s minds – unusual in the current climate, where museums are often obsessed with showing “relevant” exhibitions and pulling visitors in by whatever means possible. B. When Jackson got drunk, he would beat his wife and children, and the next morning, with a headache, he would curse the world for its neglect of his genius, and abuse, with a good deal of cleverness, and sometimes with perfect reason, his fellow artists.

4. 重組譯法: 若是進行英文中譯時,上述方法都無法達到行文流暢時,就要採用重組譯法。重組意即先將英文原意完全理解,再按照中文的敘事習慣與邏輯,重新排列組合,重組後的譯文,很難看出原文的語法結構與層次,可以使譯文脫離原文形式的束縛,擺脫翻譯腔。

Translation exercise: A. Led by Sammy Sosa, the Chicago Cubs outfielder who, together with Mark McGuire, dazzled U.S. fans this year in a dramatic home-run shootout, twenty-eight of America’s finest players invaded Japan for eight exhibition games in Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka. B. Computer languages may range from detailed low level close to that immediately understood by the particular computer, to the sophisticated high level which can be rendered automatically acceptable to a wide range of computer. More translation exercise: 1. Melatonin(褪黑激素), a hormone used to prevent insomnia, became a craze a few years ago, when on the basis of studies with mice and rats, some researchers hailed it as a miracle cure for aging. 2. Although the rainfall has not been enough to help reservoirs in the region take in sufficient water, the weather, coupled with a 3 percent reduction in water supply to heavy users in the park, has helped them slow the pace of water evaporation. 3. There aren’t many museums like the British Museum, which has the ambition to represent the chronological length and cultural breadth of the collections of humankind. 4. At least 244 Muslim pilgrims were crushed to death and the same number injured in a human tide during a ritual at the climax of the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. 5. In an effort to attract dieters, some McDonald’s restaurants in New York began displaying posters and brochures that show how the company’s products can fit into low-carbohydrate, low-fat and low-calorie meal plans. 6. The announcement that Hong Kong’s economy in the first quarter shrank more than 2.8% from a year earlier has shocked locals accustomed to the belief that the territory was an ever-evolving, unsinkable entrepot. (entrepot: 貨物集散地) 7. As they are on all trips and especially the long hauls, the flight attendants are trained to keep an eye out for passengers who aren’t handling the flight well: then the crew will engage them in conversation, offer then a drink or something to eat – all designed to lower the travelers’ stress level. 8. The success of the Harry Potter movie is used as evidence that a bunch of muggles are ruining their children’s ability to imagine for themselves what happens inside a book or tainting their desire to ever pick one up. (muggles:麻瓜,指不會巫術的凡人)

2008年9月2日 星期二

Eden urged the government strengthen training programs for PWDs

Eden Social Welfare Foundation organized The 1st International CEO with Disabilities Symposium on 2nd and 3rd August in Taipei and Taichung to push for the government to build up training programs for people with disabilities as they desire to join the job market. People with disabilities need training for more advanced and sophisticated skills that meet the requirements of the jobs in society, said Eden. "Having a mental or physical disability is not equal to lack of capability," said Eden's chief executive officer, Mr. Huang Jow-song, who believed that the value of the labor of workers with disabilities should be re-evaluated.
Famous advertising executive Jerry Fan, himself confined to a wheelchair, urged Corporate to hire more people with disabilities, for they are stable and optimistic. "If you think that blind people can only work as masseurs, they will never have a chance to do other things," said Jerry Fan. According to a survey that Eden conducted in July. There are more than 70 percent of employers are satisfied with the attitudes of workers with disabilities on the job. Yet, many of them, also criticized professional training programs for people with disabilities as not meeting their needs. Dorothy Tao, president of the Chinese Human Resource Management Association, expressed that the training programs provided by the government and welfare organizations may be outdated and not aligned with Taiwan's labor market. It is also very important to strengthen cooperation between the government, welfare organizations and the private sector to raise the employment rate of people with disabilities.

國際新聞-印度版Vogue 消費窮人

印度版Vogue 消費窮人 更新日期:2008/09/02 04:18 紐約時報報導,8月號的印度版Vogue雜誌用衣衫襤褸的窮人當模特兒,展示名牌包包和配件,引起印度輿論撻伐,也暴露奢侈品在貧富懸殊的印度拓展市場的窘境。 一位缺了門牙的老婦人抱著一個小孩,老婦人穿著粗布衣,但小孩身上竟圍了一件Fendi的圍兜,零售價約100美元(台幣3000元)。 一家三口擠在一輛機車上,母親沒戴安全帽,卻拎了一只愛瑪仕(Hermes)柏金包(Birkin bag),一般售價逾一萬美元(台幣30萬元)。 在另一場景,一位缺牙、打赤腳的男人,拿了一把Burberry雨傘,售價約200美元(台幣6000元)。 Vogue雜誌刊出16頁的名牌包、鑲珠寶的手拿包和象徵身分地位的雨傘,卻沒有找職業模特兒或買得起這些配件的有錢人當模特兒,而是找一般市井小民入鏡。 印度「今日郵報」專欄作家康妮卡.加勞特寫到:「這種作法不僅俗氣,而且品味低下。」她接受電話訪問說,讓住在泥土屋裡的窮人穿上亞歷山大.麥昆(Alexander McQueen)設計的衣服,「一點也不有趣」、「印度有很多農民因欠債自殺。」 印度版Vogue總編輯普莉亞.唐納為雜誌辯護說:「放輕鬆點。」她說,Vogue明白時尚的力量,這些照片要傳達的是,「時尚不再是富人的專利,人人都能追求時尚穿出美麗」。根據世界銀行上周的資料,近半數,約4.56億的印度人,每天生活費不到1.25美元(台幣40元)。如何在仍有很多人挨餓的國家,促銷一只1000美元(台幣3萬元)的包包?Vogue的作法恐怕會踢到鐵板。 本則新聞由聯合新聞網提供 2008/09/02

2008年9月1日 星期一

國際事務志工培訓課程講義

Definition and History Etiquette is a code that governs the expectations of social behavior, according to the conventional norm within a society, social class, or group. Usually unwritten, it may be codified in written form. Etiquette usually reflects formulas of conduct in which society or tradition have invested. An etiquette may reflect an underlying ethical code, or may grow more as a fashion, as in eighteenth century Britain where apparently pointless acts like the manner in which a tea cup was held became important as indicators of upper class status. Like "culture," it is a word that has gradually grown plural, especially in a multi-ethnic society with many clashing expectations. Thus, it is now possible to refer to "an etiquette" or "a culture," realizing that these may not be universal. In Britain, though, the word etiquette has its roots in the eighteenth century, becoming a universal force in the nineteenth century to the extent that it has been described as the one word that aptly describes life during the reign of Queen Victoria. Norms and effects of etiquette Etiquette fundamentally prescribes and restricts the ways in which people interact with each other, and show their respect for other people by conforming to the norms of society. Modern etiquette instructs people to greet friends and acquaintances with warmth and respect, refrain from insults and prying curiosity, offer hospitality equally and generously to guests, wear clothing suited to the occasion, contribute to conversations without dominating them, offer assistance to those in need, eat neatly and quietly, avoid disturbing others with unnecessary noise, follow the established rules of an organization upon becoming a member, arrive promptly when expected, comfort the bereaved, and respond to invitations promptly. Violations of etiquette, if severe, can cause public disgrace, and in private hurt individual feelings, create misunderstandings or real grief and pain, and even escalate into murderous rage. Many family feuds have their beginnings in trivial etiquette violations that were blown out of proportion. In the West, the notion of etiquette, being of French origin and arising from practices at the court of Louis XIV, is occasionally disparaged as old-fashioned or elite, a code concerned only with "which fork to use." Some people consider etiquette to be an unnecessary restriction of freedom of personal expression; others consider such free spirits to be unmannerly and rude. For instance, wearing pajamas to a wedding in a cathedral may be an expression of the guest's freedom, but may also cause the bride and groom to suspect that the guest in pajamas is expressing amusement or disparagement towards them and their wedding. Etiquette may be enforced in pragmatic ways: "No shoes, no shirt, no service" is a notice commonly displayed outside stores and cafés in the warmer parts of North America. Others feel that a single, basic code shared by all makes life simpler and more pleasant by removing many chances for misunderstandings. Etiquette may be wielded as a social weapon. The outward adoption of the superficial mannerisms of an in-group, in the interests of social advancement rather than a concern for others, is a form of snobbism, lacking in virtue. Faux Pas A faux pas is a violation of accepted, although unwritten, social rules. Faux pas vary widely from culture to culture and what is considered good manners in one culture can be considered a faux pas in another. For example, in English-speaking Western countries, it is sometimes considered a thoughtful gesture to bring a bottle of wine when going to someone's house for dinner. In France, however, this is considered insulting as it suggests the hosts are unable to provide their own good wine. However, bringing flowers to the hostess is rarely a faux pas, although sometimes one needs to be careful what kind of flowers to bring. The term comes from French and literally means "false step." However, it is a formal rather than everyday expression in French and does not generally have the figurative meaning used in English. It is occasionally employed to describe a physical loss of balance or general mistakes (for instance: mes faux pas dans la vie, the mistakes I made in my life). If one uses faux pas with the English meaning in France, people might think it was a slight grammatical mistake with faut pas, the colloquial pronunciation of il ne faut pas, meaning “must not” in English. For faux pas with the English meaning, the French would usually say gaffe or erreur. In countries with a language that contains a T-V distinction, it is a faux pas to use the informal second person pronoun instead of the formal second person pronoun when addressing an elder or stranger. Cultural and Individual Differences Etiquette is dependent on culture; what is excellent etiquette in one society may shock in another. Etiquette evolves within culture. Etiquette can vary widely between different cultures and nations. In China, a person who takes the last item of food from a common plate or bowl without first offering it to others at the table may be seen as a glutton and insulting the generosity of the host. Similarly, amongst older Australian women, a woman who takes the last item of food is called the old spinster, while in most European cultures a guest is expected to eat all of the food given to them, as a compliment to the quality of the cooking. As expectations regarding good manners differ from person to person and vary according to each situation, no treatise on the rules of etiquette nor any list of potential faux pas can ever be complete. To avoid giving offense, it is best to use a conservative and observant approach in any social situation where one is unfamiliar with cultural expectations. Faux pas in the following areas are common around the world. The specifics vary from place to place, but these are all areas of human activity in which faux pas can be committed whether traveling across the globe or visiting with a next door neighbor. As the perception of behaviors and actions vary, intercultural competence is essential. Consideration Etiquette begins with some sensitivity to the perceptions and feelings of others and the intention not to offend. This includes consideration in the following areas: 1. Creating unwanted distractions by talking loudly in a quiet restaurant, using a mobile phone in a theater, or idly drumming one’s fingers on a pew during church services. 2. Failing to consider when another’s preferences or habits differ from one’s own in such ways as subjecting an entire train load of people to one’s own music, heavily spicing a meal to be shared by many with one’s own favorite seasoning (such as fish sauce or garlic), or making a phonecall too late at night or early in the morning for the recipient’s schedule. 3. Willfully introducing a potentially noxious element such as a crying baby, a lit cigarette or an ill-behaved dog into an environment where it is neither expected nor desired. 4. Ignoring social obligations such as meeting a friend at a pre-appointed time, acknowledging the birthday of a close relative with a greeting card or some congratulatory token, or text messaging to the detriment of a face-to-face conversation. While the concept of consideration is universal, expectations in this regard vary along cultural lines. For example, many Finns are relatively soft-spoken and reserved. Therefore, a conversation that would seem rudely boisterous in Helsinki might not be seen as such where people typically express themselves with more gusto, such as a Puerto Rican community. Dress In some countries, shoes are removed when entering a home. Depending on the culture, they may be removed outside the door or inside the foyer. Elsewhere, removing one's shoes might be a faux pas. Men's hats commonly need to be removed in various circumstances such attending a church service or funeral, when eating dinner, etc. In some places, wearing a hat indoors in any situation is considered impolite. Conversely, there are places where men are expected to wear some sort of head covering, especially in relation to Jewish and Muslim holy places. Many circumstances limit the amount of skin considered appropriate in a given situation. For both men and women, the choice to wear revealing clothes (i.e., short pants, small t-shirts, short skirts, etc.) risks a breach of etiquette when one is unfamiliar with the circumstances. For example, short pants that are quite acceptable in a laid-back seaside resort might raise eyebrows in a stuffy restaurant or conservative household a few miles inland. Enthusiasm The amount of enthusiasm or restraint one displays in such situations as greeting people, saying thank you, and giving compliments can constitute a faux pas in certain situations. Some people say goodbye with hugs and kisses, others say it with a grunt and a nod of the head. Both the kissers and the grunters might be committing a faux pas depending upon the setting and the expectations of others. Some generalizations about this matter on a country-by-country basis might be helpful, but is a matter in which individual personalities matter a great deal. Accordingly, one should be observant on a per-situation basis to avoid committing a faux pas. Behaving enthusiastically towards strangers is considered shallow and insincere by many northern Europeans. Gift giving Giving and receiving gifts can be a complex matter. In some places (such as Japan and Colombia) it is a faux pas to open a gift in front of the giver. Elsewhere it is a faux pas not to do so. Ask the locals. In most places, it is inappropriate to indicate the value of your gifts by failing to remove the price tag. Certain presents are taboo in some situations. For example, certain gifts conflict with the belief system of many Chinese people regarding good luck and bad luck. Other gifts are taboo for different reasons, such as a man in North America giving red roses to a woman married to another man, as such a gift connotes romantic intentions. Giving cutlery to an Argentine will be symbolically interpreted that the giver has decided to end the relationship. Humor Humor is a delicate art. Attempts at humor in unfamiliar situations are always risky. Deprecating humor always involves a risk of offense. For example, a Canadian with four Filipino friends might get a bad reaction when making a joke based on Filipino stereotypes, even after hearing these four friends engage in this humor over a long period of time. Deprecating humor can offend even when the listener is not the subject of the humor. For example, a joke at the expense of gay people might offend some straight people as well. Imitation is often not flattering. Scots are unlikely to enjoy a Californian’s impersonation of Billy Connolly, nor are Californians likely to enjoy a Scot’s impersonation of Moon Unit Zappa. Risqué means risky, and it is. What is acceptably risqué not only varies from place to place, it varies from person to person. Overstepping the bounds of sexual or scatological humor is among the most serious faux pas one can commit. Lastly, be mindful that people who appear amused might actually be offended but prefer not to show offense either out of nervousness or as a point of etiquette. Inquisition Asking questions can be a way to express curiosity, concern and enthusiasm. However, questions about a person's age, employment status, marital/romantic situation, place of residence and other personal matters can be a faux pas. Although this sort of information-sharing is somewhat dependent on cultural background, individual personality plays a great role as well. Language Most faux pas involving language belong more to a language textbook than this list; nevertheless, a few are sufficiently likely to be committed by people who haven't mastered a language that they merit mention. Some languages mark familiarity and/or respect using T-V distinction. This often applies to common phrases such as "how are you" that are sometimes learned in isolation (such as from phrase books). Which part of name and/or title to use to address people can be problematic. Some languages distinguish male and female forms of surnames. Many cultures put surnames first. Most languages use forms of address which don’t directly correspond with the titles such as Mr., Miss, Mrs., and Ms. that are familiar to speakers of English. Be especially careful when addressing people who have higher social status (such as one’s employer) and people who are older. This applies not only in regard to forms of address but to what slang words and topics might be inappropriate. Lumping & Splitting There are many issues involved with failing to discern people with one ethnic, national, religious, linguistic or cultural identity with others who don't share their identity. New Zealanders rarely appreciate being called Australian, most Guatemalans won't like being called Mexicans, and so on. Some of these of issues can be as obvious as failing to differentiate between Korean people and Japanese people. Although “lumping” is the biggest danger, sometimes “splitting” can result in a faux pas instead. An example might be trying to discern whether someone is Irish Catholic or Anglo-Irish. When in doubt, avoid characterizing people according to a cultural identity. Make inquiries regarding identity carefully (if at all) and with consideration about how close a relationship you have with the person being questioned. Taking Offense Warnings against committing faux pas work both ways. Failing to recognize that one has committed a faux pas might lead the observer to believe that one is willfully rude, annoying, inconsiderate, etc. Acting upon this misbelief is essentially a second faux pas committed in reaction to the first. Specific Situations Business etiquette Business etiquette is the behavior to be followed in the business world and corporate culture. It is made up of significantly more important things than knowing which fork to use at lunch with a client. It is about dressings, table manners, courtesy, soft-skills, inter-personal skills, trans-national and trans-cultural understanding, etc. It is important, as today's business is global and all about connecting, which has crossed all cultural and continental boundaries. People are a key factor in one's own business success. Many potentially worthwhile and profitable alliances have been lost because of an unintentional breach of manners. Office etiquette As is the case with etiquette in general, office etiquette is the set of written and unwritten rules of conduct that make social interactions run more smoothly. Office etiquette is different from business etiquette in that office etiquette usually applies to interacting with coworkers whereas business etiquette is for interacting with external contacts such as customers and suppliers. The conventions of office etiquette address unique, office environmental issues such as cubicle life, usage of common areas, meetings and meeting protocol, and social interaction within the context of a work setting. The rules of office etiquette may vary by region, office size, business specialty, company policy, and, to a certain degree, various laws governing the workplace. Larger organizations tend to have stricter, expressly written rules on etiquette. Each company will have its own subset of rules usually based loosely on the company’s management and legal compliance models. Office etiquette also varies based on the customs and culture of the region. An example is using the middle finger to point, which would be considered giving others "the finger" in the United States. Often people of different cultures will attempt to adapt to the customs and manners of the region they are in. The following is a list of some of the conventions associated with office etiquette: 1. Dress in the manner accepted for your area of work. 49% of employers surveyed in 2005 by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that non-traditional attire would be a "strong influence" on their opinion of a potential job candidate. 2. Attempt to be quiet in areas where people are on the phone or need concentration. This applies to activities such as using cellphones, listening to music, eating, and conversations with other coworkers. 3. Install “Printer Etiquette.” This phrase has been used widely in South Australia, and refers to giving preferential treatment to workers printing only one page at a time, ahead of those priting out large documents, such as Asset Lists. 4. Respect others' time. Be on time to meetings. When in meetings, if a subject comes up that is taking time and is only useful to a small subset of users then request to take that conversation offline. 5. Attempt to limit introducing strong smells into the work area. Strong perfume, excessive body odor, and very fragrant flowers can offend others. Culinary odors such as fast food, sesame oil, and microwave popcorn can also be very unpleasant. 6. Be considerate when using communal areas such as kitchens/breakrooms and restrooms. Don't leave food on the counter or in the sink for extended periods of time. Be sure to clear away dirty dishes, food wrappers and spills as quickly as possible. Be sure to always make sure toilets are flushed before leaving the area. Don't leave used paper towels, facial tissues, seat covers or toilet paper laying around for other people to deal with. Women should ensure that used sanitary supplies are always wrapped and out of sight. Netiquette Netiquette (a neologism and a portmanteau which some claim is formed from "network etiquette," though the more common usage is "Internet etiquette") is a catch-all term for the conventions of politeness and respect recognized on the Internet. These conventions address the relationship between personal behavior and group phenomena, and outline a dynamic set of guidelines for conduct that is conducive to pleasant, efficient and agreeable interaction. A business e-mail account should not be used for personal correspondence. Since e-mails from a business account are considered official company communications, they may be monitored. If the original message was sent to multiple recipients, one should only reply to users for whom your message is pertinent. One should ask first before sending large attachments, unless the recipient requests attachments (for example, human resources personnel typically want a resume attached when the sender is applying for a position). For mailing list administrators, including instructions for unsubscribing at the bottom of messages is considered good form One should not use all UPPERCASE letters in an email. Uppercase letters imply shouting and may be considered rude. Subject lines are critical to proper email etiquette. A subject line should include a pertinent few words summarizing the subject of the email. When one replies to emails, they should always make certain the subject line of the email is still relevant to the reply. When one has not received a reply to a business email, it is customary to send an inquiry message within two to five business days if a reply is expected. This provides the recipient with a polite reminder and a backup in case the original message was overlooked, intercepted, or inadvertently deleted. Conversely, if a recipient cannot answer an email immediately, it is polite to reply with a short email confirming the email was received, following with a more complete reply when possible. Email content should be universally accessible. Not all computers are up to date and thus, in general email should not contain non-standard extensions. The BCC: "Blind Carbon Copy" field should be used when sending to many people; when the recipients do not necessarily know each other; or in general when any replies should only come back to the sender. This prevents each recipient from having access to the email addresses of the other recipients, limiting the potential for harvesting and avoiding an invasion of privacy. Table Manners Table manners are the etiquette used when eating. This includes the appropriate use of utensils. Different cultures have different standards for table manners. Many table manners evolved out of practicality. For example, it is generally impolite to put elbows on tables since doing so creates a risk of tipping over bowls and cups. Within different families or groups, there may be less rigorous enforcement of some traditional table manners of their culture while still maintaining others. For example, some families ignore elbows on the table or mixing of foods. Fork Etiquette In Western etiquette, there are two primary styles for using a knife and fork while eating. The style used mostly in the United States of America, which sometimes called the zigzag method, differs from the style mostly used in the rest of the western world including Europe and British Commonwealth countries. In America, the knife is held in the right hand and the fork in the left. Holding food to the plate with the fork, a single bite-sized piece is cut with the knife. The knife is then placed on the table towards the top and right of the plate and the fork transferred to the right hand, with the left hand falling to the lap of the diner. The cut piece is then eaten using the fork, wielded in a “spoon-like” manner rather than to impale the food. The process is then repeated as necessary. A left-handed diner can retain the fork in the stronger hand, although the knife is still released. To avoid the constant switching of the fork, it is common to see some people cut up multiple pieces of food at once before switching hands and eating, though this is not universally accepted. While cutting, the fork is usually held upside down with the handle along the palm and the index finger pressing down at the neck of the handle. Because most forks have a curve this will point the tines downward into the food. Depending on how soft the food is, some Americans choose to disregard the knife entirely, using a fork in their right hand and cutting their food by pressing down with the edge of their fork. Sawing at the food in this way is considered bad form. The European manner is to hold the knife and fork, in the right and left hands respectively, throughout consumption. The hand grasp is also different. In Europe, it is considered better manners not to hold a knife or fork as one would hold a pen, but to have the handle running along the palm and extending out to be held by thumb and forefinger. This style is sometimes called “hidden handle.” This method is also common in Canada and other former parts of the British Empire. In contrast to the American method of using a fork much like a spoon (tines up), the British primarily use the fork with tines facing away from the user (tines down). Tables are often set with two or more forks, meant to be used for different courses; for example, a salad fork and meat fork. Some institutions wishing to give an impression of high formality set places with many different forks for meals of several courses, although many etiquette authorities regard this as vulgar and prefer that the appropriate cutlery be brought in with each course. It should not be necessary for the diner to distinguish between types of forks; forks are used in order from outside to inside, with the exception of oyster forks, which are placed on the right-hand side in the bowl of a spoon. Vocabulary codify (v): to reduce to a code; to classify clash (v): to come into conflict, to be incompatible aptly (adv): unusually fitted or qualified, readily, fittingly; suited to a purpose, being to the point fundamentally (adv): serving as an original or generating source, primarily; serving as a basis,basically prescribe (v): to lay down a rule, dictate; to lay down as a guide, direction, or rule of action, to ordain conform (v): to be obedient or compliant, to act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs norm (n): an authoritative standard, model; a principle of right action binding upon members of a group refrain (v): to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something pry (v): to look closely or inquisitively, to make a nosy or presumptuous inquiry bereave (n): one who is suffering the death of a loved one escalate (v): to increase in extent, volume, number, amount, intensity, or scope, to expand feud (n): mutual enmity or quarrel that is often prolonged or established blow out of proportion (v phr): to make more than is reasonable, to exaggerate notion (n): an inclusive general concept, a theory or belief held by a person or group disparage (v): to lower in rank or reputation, to degrade; to depreciate by indirect means pragmatic (adj): relating to matters of fact or practical affairs, practical as opposed to idealistic wield (v): to handle especially effectively snobbism (n): act of imitating, admiring, or seeking association with those regarded as superior gesture (n): something said or done by way of formality or courtesy, as a symbol or token literally (adv): in a manner adhering to the ordinary or primary meaning of a term or expression, actually figurative (adj): expressing one thing in terms normally meaning another which may be considered same colloquial (adj): of or relating to conversation, conversational T-V distinction (n phr): characteristic of having informal (tu) and formal (vos) versions of second person evolve (v): to expand by a process of growth, to develop glutton (n): one given habitually to greedy and voracious eating and drinking spinster (n): a woman who seems unlikely to marry treatise (n): a composition with a discussion of facts and principles involved and conclusions reached potential (adj): existing in possibility, capable of development into actuality perception (n): the result of attaining awareness or understanding, observation, or mental image competence (n): the state of having requisite or adequate ability or qualities idly (adv): lacking worth or basis, vain, useless drum (v): to strike or tap repeatedly pew (n): one of the benches and sometimes doors fixed in rows in a church noxious (adj): disagreeable, obnoxious pre-appointed (adj): fixed or set officially beforehand token (n): souvenir, keepsake; an outward sign or expression detriment (n): injury, damage boisterous (adj): noisily turbulent, rowdy, marked by or expressive of exuberance and high spirits gusto (n): enthusiastic and vigorous enjoyment or appreciation conversely (adv): having the opposite order, relation, or action breach (n): infraction or violation of a law, obligation, tie, or standard laid-back (adj): having a relaxed style or character stuffy (adj): narrowly inflexible in standards of conduct, self-righteous, stiffly conventional grunt (n): deep short sound characteristic of a hog accordingly (adv): in agreement or conformity, correspondingly shallow (adj): lacking in depth of knowledge, thought, or feeling taboo (adj): banned on grounds of morality or taste connote (v): to convey in addition to exact explicit meaning cutlery (n): tools for cutting and eating food deprecating (adj): playing down, belittling, disparaging stereotype (n): a standardized mental picture that is oversimplified, prejudiced, or uncritical impersonation (n): the act of assuming the character of another scatological (adj): relating to the interest in or treatment of obscene matters especially in literature cubicle (n): a small partitioned space, especially one with a desk used for work in a business office protocol (n): a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence context (n): the interrelated conditions in which something exists or occurs, environment, setting compliance (n): the act or process of conforming to a desire, demand, proposal, or regimen convention (n): usage or custom especially in social matters, a rule of conduct or behavior attire (n): dress, clothes, especially splendid or decorative clothing install (v): to establish in an indicated place, condition, or status preferential (adj): the state of being liked better or best culinary (adj): of or relating to the kitchen or cookery communal (adj): participated in, shared, or used in common by members of a group or community neologism (n): a new word, usage, or expression portmanteau (n): a word whose form and meaning are derived from blending two or more words catch-all (adj phr): something that holds or includes odds and ends or a wide variety of things phenomenon (n): an observable fact or event dynamic (adj): marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change conducive (adj): tending to promote or assist correspondence (n): communication by letters inquiry (n): a request for information intercept (v): to stop, seize, or interrupt in progress or course or before arrival conversely (adv): reversed in order, relation, or action accessible (adj): capable of being reached; capable of being understood or appreciated harvesting (v): to gather or accumulate rigorous (adj): manifesting or exercising inflexibility in opinion, temper, or judgment, very strict impale (v): to pierce with or as if with something pointed tine (n): a slender pointed projecting part, prong respectively (adv): in the order given implement (n): a device used in the performance of a task, tool, utensil institution (n): an establishment vulgar (adj): lacking in cultivation, perception, or taste, coarse; ostentatious or excessive, pretentious

2008年8月11日 星期一

Accessible Toursim Volunteer Experience(3)

從電話中聽到玉鈴姊說:風雨無阻,就想說:啊??!!風雨無阻!!!這也太危險了吧!而且主角還是一群在行動上不太方便的人。出門前心中有點忐忑,因為天空黑黑的,清晨還下了一場超大雨,很怕自己的笨手笨腳反而會幫倒忙。慶幸的是,一路上雖然雨不怎麼停過,甚至有時有越下越大的趨勢,不過卻也因為這樣大家越來越熟稔了。第一次推著輪椅、第一次去十三行博物館、第一次到紅毛城、第一次與身心殘障朋友這麼接近‧‧‧許許多多的第一次都讓我這個自以為健康的人感到慚愧跟感動,也讓我能以更多的同理心去體會在我們所謂設備已齊全之下對他們仍有很大的不方便,也讓我驚嘆他們不健全中的健全。 This activity was very good. It made us know what the government has tried to do for the disability; maybe there are still lots of spaces to improve but at least the government has started. For me, I learned much more not only how inconvenience they face but also how optimistic they live. They are models for all of us, and we should hold their attitude to lead our life and make it happy and colorful. 王詩婷

2008年8月8日 星期五

EDEN Staffs birthday party & Chinese Valentine's Day

In Memory of Mr. Ichiro Maruyama – A True Fighter for People with Disabilities

Mr. Maruyama was the Secretary General of WI Asia (Workability International Asia), he founded the Regional NGO Network (RNN) to promote the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities 1993-2002. Among his countless contributions, one of the most outstanding achievements was to start the training courses on rehabilitation of persons with disabilities which were implemented while he was working as an expert officer in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 1985. Mr. Maruyama devoted his whole life for people with disabilities in assisting them to realize their potential, making effective governmental policies and inspiring the creation of disability networks not only in Japan but in the region and in the world. Mr. Maruyama (middle), WI-Asia Regional Mr. Maruyama (back row, 2nd from the left), Meeting in Taiwan, 2006 WI-Asia Conference in Seoul, 2007Condolence from Eden Social Welfare FoundationThere are no words to adequately describe the sadness we felt upon hearing of the loss of Mr. Maruyama. He always guided us and supported us in every occasion since the first day we met him. His dedication, commitment and all efforts to the PWDs, which were deeply, inspired many of us here and even beyond all political and beneficial conflicts. Therefore, whenever we meet challenges in moving forward of our work, we think about the model Mr. Maruyama had set up for us and encouraged us to keep walking and look forward.We prayed hard for Mr. Maruyama’s health since the day we heard about his health condition. We fought with Mr. Maruyama together for against with cancer however we have to let God to take Mr. Maruyama gone to have the eternal rest with Him from all sufferings and pains, although it is so hard for any of us to say Goodbye to Mr. Maruyama. The great model he had set up for all followers will always leading us to continue the commitment and efforts he had contributed to all people with disabilities. Everyone in Eden Social Welfare Foundation joins together in sending our prayers and wholehearted condolences to Mr. Maruyama’s family. With all our sympathies,Huang Cho SungChief Executive Director, CEOEden Social Welfare FoundationOn December 5th, 2007, Ichiro Maruyama received the Special Masao Ogura Award from the Yamato Welfare Foundation. This is the English translation of his acceptance speech at the Award Ceremony.I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your presence today. I have been under treatment since last April when a malignant tumor was discovered. As you can see, nutrients are being injected intravenously. I am not entirely sure, and therefore I feel a bit shy, when I wonder if my work is worthy of receiving the award in the name of the late Mr. Masao Ogura. However, I decided to accept it with a tremendous sense of gratitude for the kindness of so many people. I am particularly happy to do so also because I can share this honor with my wife, and the entire family, who have been going through a very difficult time for all these years. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. With your permission, I would like to have my son read my speech as I easily get tired and am unable to sustain my voice.It was in 1964, 43 years ago when I was still a college student and participated in the Tokyo Paralympics as a volunteer interpreter under the auspices of the Japanese Red Cross. Japanese athletes were all sent either from the hospitals or shelters and institutions where they were treated as patients. None of them had jobs. No one even thought they could be employable. Contrary to this, the athletes from the West were all ordinary working people in their respective society. We learnt that even those with severe disabilities were full members of society working in various kinds of jobs. Compared to where they came from, they told us, the Japanese environment for the people with disabilities (PWDs) was at least 30 to 50 years behind. At the Japanese team wrap party, the athletes were happy and proud that they could participate in the wonderful world that celebrated humanity. At the same time, however, they were all in tears with the thought of having to go back to their lives of no hope. The difference between Japanese society and that of the West’s was staggering. I was aghast at the misery of Japanese conditions.I chose “Disability and Productivity” as the theme of my graduation thesis. While organizing volunteer groups to assist Paralympics athletes toward their employment, I researched the working conditions and situations of the PWDs who were not employed in a true sense. I visited the workshop in Hakone (*the remote mountainous area of Kanagawa) for disabled veterans. There were only a few workshops in Tokyo and Kanagawa area. At these facilities, people were engaged in menial work and they all had gloomy and sad expressions on their faces. At the Tokyo Colony, they lived in partitioned passenger cars no longer used by the Japan Railway. Their meals were left over foods from the hospitals. How moved I was at the sight of recovering tuberculosis patients such as Mr. Kazuoki Shirabe who were trying to create places of employment on their own. The patients hovered over mimeograph machines on their beds. Furthermore, I had an opportunity to visit the athletes in the United States and Europe who participated in the Tokyo Paralympics at the places of their employment. Through this trip, I came to understand such fundamental approaches towards disability as distinctions between rehabilitation and employment programs and creations of an inclusive social environment where everyone, PWDs included, could live together harmoniously. I witnessed many people with severe disabilities, for whom open employment was hard to obtain, enjoying their work at the Goodwill Industries and Abilities in the United States. I was encouraged by watching many European athletes working in the program under the special assistance employment policy such as Remploy in the UK.Japan’s situation, so far behind the West, seemed absolutely hopeless. At the same time, however, I thought: if the West could achieve this much, Japan should be able to do so too. A report of my study tour in the West was presented to Mr. Yutaka Nakamura, Head of the Japanese team at the Paralympics. My proposal was to build a modern factory, not tiny shops for menial jobs. Thus, I joined the fund raising activities to build what was later to become “Japan Sun Industries.” In its original Japanese, Mr. Tsutomu Mizukami (author/novelist) named it as "Taiyo no Ie" (meaning "the House of Sun"). While he decided to use the word "Ie" (meaning "house" or "home") with special thoughts in his heart for persons with disabilities, the word "Industries" was chosen for translation for its English version of the name. After graduating from the university, I wasted no time in joining the Japan Sun Industries located in Beppu, Kyushu. I wanted to put what I learnt at the university like plant design, quality control and motion study into practical use. In retrospect, I was totally engrossed and inspired. The first production was bamboo crafts. Three years later, when we became a part supplier for the Sharp Corporation, we were ecstatic. Unlike anywhere else, the Japan Sun Industries continues its operations to date by employing more than 1,100 PWDs who manufacture products for the affiliated major companies like Omron, Sony, Honda, Mitsubishi Corporation and Fujitsu. Behind this progress lies tremendous efforts by able administrators like Mr. Yoshihiro Ikata and PWDs who came to work from all over Japan. Forty-three years has passed since the Tokyo Paralympics. I was fortunate to have been guided by wonderful leaders and mentors like Messrs. Kazuoki Shirabe, Hajime Ogawa and Kenji Itayama. I was also lucky to have had capable friends and colleagues in and out of Japan. Together with them, I had opportunities to work in all kinds of disability related issues; to name a few, vocational rehabilitation, promotion of employment and work, welfare factory management, development of diversified forms of work, environment improvement movements, promotion of measures to help PWDs, and development of human resources as well as employment in Asia. I am delighted to be in the company of Mr. Akiyoshi Yamada today as a fellow recipient of the award. He and I go back a long ways, from the days when we worked together to widen the PWDs’ living environment. If I may humbly say, I made a small contribution as a liaison to coordinate activities among many disability organizations that exist in Japan to promote international cooperation. It was a great pleasure for me that all these disability related activities and experiences enabled me to act as a public relations person during the United Nation’s International Year of Disabled Persons and to make various program proposals as a welfare officer during my years in the Japanese government.Much progress has been made in the intervening years. We provided information to enhance public awareness and to call the political attentions towards disability issues. We made coordinated efforts among different organizations and movements. All these efforts are attributed to the introduction of the Basic Pension Program・Special Allowance for PWDs. We were very happy that the income security for PWDs was improved and their lives were drastically changed for the better. We were proud of the big step forward Japan made. The entire nation accepted the responsibility of bearing the necessary costs to create a harmonious Japanese society. We also saw it as Japan’s concrete contribution by being an exemplary model for the rest of Asia. By furthering the progress made thus far, we had high expectations that additional steps forward would lead to the solutions of many remaining problems. To move from “Full participation and Equality” to “Society for All” was a goal set by the United Nations to eradicate disability problems. With regards to development, Japan was behind the West by 50 years. But efforts and resulting improvement helped minimize the gap.However, this hopeful development was arrested. Making an entire society harmonious is the fundamental key in addressing disability issues. Our perseverance stopped making further inroads in the shadow of the weakening social security resulting from the countries’ fiscal crisis. Now, I would even say it has regressed. People who live in the most difficult conditions are excluded in the debate on social security as a whole. The debate circumvents the notion of what the fundamental idea of a harmonious society is or should be. Set the goal whereby persons with severe disabilities can lead a normal social life. It will bring the benefits to everyone in our society. I wish to reactivate our efforts once again to have all the sectors of society to have a greater understanding of this. How I wish to bring back our energy that gave birth to the Disability Basic Pension!On the employment front, persons with disabilities - and therefore with low productivity - are dealt with under the welfare programs. They continue to be excluded from the measures under the employment policy. The International Labor Organization’s recommendation made more than 50 years ago was that PWDs be included in the employment policy. The representation we submitted to the ILO recently sends a message to the government, and entire society, which includes businesses, labor unions, and social welfare operators. We cannot and should not acquiesce any longer.My days are numbered, but I urge that a coalition be formed so that they can carry on what has been started and work toward solving problems. I feel Mr. Ogura, with this award, is going after me not to give up our struggle till the end. Thank you again, ladies and gentlemen. I am much honoredIchiro Maruyama Japanese Version
第8回ヤマト福祉財団小倉昌男 特別賞 受賞日本障害者協議会 副代表埼玉県立大学 保健医療福祉学部社会福祉学科教授 丸山 一郎 氏受賞のことば本日はお越しくだされ誠にありがとうございます。この4月に腫瘍が見つかり療養中でありまして、ご覧のように栄養を中心静脈の点滴でしております。この度のこと、私がしてきましたことが、小倉昌男さんの賞に値するのかお恥ずかしいところがありますが、本当に多くの皆様のご厚情に感謝しあり難く頂くことにしました。ことに大変な苦労をかけてきました妻や家族に少しは報えるかと喜んでおります。皆様誠にありがとう御座いました。疲れで声が止まりますので、息子にメモを代読させますことをお許しください。約40年まえの1964年、私の学生のときです。日本赤十字社の通訳ボランティアとして参加した「東京パラリンピック」では、目を見張る激しいスポーツをする日本の選手はすべて病人か患者として扱われ、病院と収容施設から来ておりました。働いている人は誰一人としていませんでした、働けると思っている人もいませんでした。一方、欧米の選手はすべてが普通の社会人で、かなりの重い障害のある人でも、さまざまな職業につき社会に参加していることが解りました。欧米からの参加者は、障害のある人びとを取り巻く日本の状況を、彼らの社会からみて少なくとも30年から50年は遅れていると言いました。日本選手の解団式では、人間賛歌の素晴らしい世界大会にでられた歓びの反面、明日からまた全く希望のない生活に戻ることを想い、皆泣いていました。私は、彼我の社会的に大きなギャップと日本人の惨めな状況に愕然としたのです。パラリンピックの選手たちの就職支援をボランテイアグループで取り組みながら、私は卒業論文で「障害と生産性」をテーマにして、雇用されない障害のある人々の働く状況を調べました。箱根の傷痍軍人の授産場、東京・神奈川の数少ない授産施設での内職仕事では人々は暗い表情で働いていました。東京コロニーでは、国鉄払い下げの客車を区切って住み、病院の残飯を食べ、ベッドの上でガリ版印刷をしながら職場を自分たちの力で作ろうとしている調一興さんたち結核回復者の姿に特に衝撃を受けました。さらに、欧米からの選手の実際の職場を訪ねることが出来、リハビリテーションと雇用施策の違いと、ともに生きる社会環境をつくることや、根本的な障害に関する考え方を知るのです。特に、一般雇用されることの困難な重い障害のある人々の多くが、米国グッドウィルインダストリイーやアビリティーズで楽しく働く姿を見、ヨーロッパの選手の多くが英国のレンプロイのような、特別支援の雇用政策の下で働いているのを知り勇気づけられました。日本の遅れは絶望的に思えましたが、他面、欧米で進められたことは日本でも実現できるはずだとも考えました。パラリンピックの団長であった中村裕先生に、欧米での状況を報告し、内職や零細作業所でなく近代的な工場を作るべきと提言し、後の‘太陽の家’の建設募金運動に参加しました。“家”と当時の障害のある人への想いから水上勉さんがつけたのですが、英文名はJapan Sun “Industries”としたのです。 卒業後、工場計画や品質管理、動作研究を勉強したことが役立つかも知れないとも思い、九州別府に飛び込んでゆきました、無我夢中であったようです。竹細工から始めながら、三年目にシャープに部品納入を実現できたときは大歓声を上げました。現在の太陽の家は、伊方博義さんのような優れた実務家や全国から集まった障害のある人の頑張りにより、他には類のない、オムロン、ソニー、ホンダ、三菱商事、デンソー、富士通などの大企業と提携した1100人を超える障害のある人の雇用就労を継続しています。東京パラリンピックから43年がたちますが、私は、調一興、小川孟、板山賢治さんなどの先輩である良き師に指導をうけ、頼もしい仲間を全国にまた世界各国に得て、職業リハビリテーションと雇用就労の促進、福祉工場の経営と多様な就労方式の開発、環境改善運動、障害者施策の促進、アジアの働く場づくりと人材養成などに係わる機会を与えられました。本日一緒に受賞するという嬉しいことになった山田昭義さんとも生活圏拡大運動からの古いお付き合いです。特に国内の多くの障害関係団体の活動をつなぐ役、国際的な協力すすめる役割を少しは果たせたのではないかと思っております。障害のある人々との運動体験を基本にして、国際障害者年のPR担当、福祉専門官として様々な施策の提案ができたことも大きな歓びでした。この間に確かに多くの前進がありました。 私が係わることが出来た、情報提供などを通しての障害問題の理解促進、政治的関心の喚起、当事者運動との調整などの成果として、基礎年金制度・特別障害者手当が創設され、障害のある人々の所得保障が改善され、多くの障害のある人々の生活が一変したことは大きな喜びでした。ともに生きるということにむけて、日本社会が必要な費用を国民全体が負担することを了承した大きな前進だと誇りに思ったものです。アジアへの日本の具体的貢献ができたとも思いました。これらを徹底して、もう一歩を進める事が出来れば解決できそうだと期待がもてました。国連は障害問題のテーマを「完全参加と平等」から「総ての人の社会」へと進めましたが、50年の遅れは縮まったのではと思えたのです。しかし、障害問題が社会全体をよくすることの基本であるとの共生社会への理解は、財政危機にともなう社会保障削減の動きのなかで進展がとまりました。今や逆行しているとさえ思えます。社会保障全体の論議に、最も生活に困難を抱える人々の問題への取り組みが回避されています。共生社会の根本が決断されていません。重度障害のある人々が当たり前の社会生活が出来るところに目標をおけば、総ての人の利益につながることを、社会の総ての分野が根本的に理解することをもう一度努力できればと願うものです。障害基礎年金を誕生させた国民全体の動きを再現したいのです。雇用に関しても、本当に職業的に障害のある人々、生産性低い人々は、福祉施策の対象とされ雇用政策から排除されたままです。このことは50年以上も前にILOが勧告をしていることなのです。この度行ったILOへの申し立ては、企業、労働組合、社会福祉事業者、そして政府など社会全体への問題提起です。これ以上見過ごしてはなりません。余命は短いのですが、問題解決への協力体制づくりの働きかけを続けて、次に引継いで貰いたいと存じます。今回の受賞は小倉さんが最後までしっかりやれとハッパをかけてくださったのでありましょう。皆様に心から御礼申し上げます、本当にありがとうございました。

2008年8月5日 星期二

伊甸國際事務志工接待澳門聖公會

今天是我第一次參與伊甸所舉辦的活動,心中不免的有些許不安忐忑。九點一到,澳門聖公會的同學們便魚貫而入,開始了今天的活動。一開始大家先自我紹,很快就能感受到澳門同學們的風趣和熱情。緊接著就由台灣的志工們簡單導覽台灣的風景名勝、著名的各式小吃。還有阿卡姐的簡易國台語教學和抽抽樂活動,馬上炒熱了現場的氣氛。一開始很放不開的我,也慢慢融入了活動裡。而澳門朋友更是用心的準備了製作精美的簡報和活潑的團康,讓我們對澳門有更深一層的了解。雖然不能馬上到澳門一覽媽閣廟、大三巴牌坊、議事亭、、、等著名的遊覽區,但透過他們的簡報,仍是有身歷其境之感。 和澳門朋友們一起共進午餐之後,大家就前往東吳大學參觀。位於外雙溪旁的東吳大學,群山環繞,景色優美。新建的大樓有許多先進完善的設備,圖書館裡的藏書量更是十分驚人。除了新穎的大樓,校園裡還有錢復故居和充滿莊嚴氣氛的安素堂。稍後東吳大學的同學和澳門同學們各自交流彼此的人生規劃,其中一位東吳大學音樂系的同學更是分享了令人敬佩不已的故事,原本就讀高職的他,參加社團迷上音樂之後,便努力的練習,考入東吳音樂系,當魁梧的他用長笛吹出一曲「新不了情」的時候,大家都刮目相看。而澳門朋友則是分享了他們就學中遭遇到的困難和他們努力克服的心路歷程。之後匆匆的拜訪了台大,由於時間限制,只參觀了校史館,但校史館內豐富的館藏,馬上就讓澳門同學們認識了台大從創立以來的沿革。 今天一整天和澳門朋友們交流之後,才明白雖然我們勉強能稱的上是「同文同種」,但在思想和生活態度上仍有不少差異,舉例來說,在台灣就學的我們,一直都是升學掛帥,老師和父母從小便在無形中灌輸「萬般皆下品,惟有讀書高。」這樣的觀念,但澳門的同學們則是相當重視實務經驗和在就學過程裡所建立的人際關係,讓從小在台灣長大的我,看見了另一種文化的獨特。澳門的朋友們相當的健談、熱情,參加了這個活動讓我收穫良多,也交到了許多新朋友,希望以後有機會還能再以志工的身分參加其他的交流活動。 蘇家睿

2008年7月31日 星期四

Enjoy My Work - The 1st International CEO with Disabilities Symposium

People with disabilities (PWDs) can also become the elite in your corporation. Do you know about these facts? Nearly 30 people with hearing-impaired are able to work efficiently in dust-free rooms; People with cerebral palsy can also have steady working performance; Hiring a visually-impaired massage worker to provide massage service can help relieve the pressure of stock traders; And, PWDs with high pressure-resistance can be well competent for client services jobs. Eden Social Welfare Foundation has been continuously helping Corporate to build up brand image. This time, in order to break the myth of hiring PWDs, we specially invite Mr. Monthian Buntan, Thailand’s Upper House Senator, Board Member of the council of World blind Union (WBU), and Mr. Wang Jung-chang, Secretary-General of League Social Welfare Organizations in Taiwan, Secretary-General of the League of Welfare Organizations for the Disabled, to discuss the development tendency of human resource management from an international point of view and Taiwan’s present situation. Furthermore, we invite Corporate with PWD employees to share their experiences. We wish, through the symposium, we can help Corporate transformation to fulfill the CSR. Moreover, by discovering new possibilities for the human resource development and occupational training, Corporate will be able to re-plan social human resource and meet the International CSR standards. Host Organization: Eden Social Welfare Foundation Taipei Session: Taipei International Convention Center, Room 101 AB, 1:00pm-5:00pm, August 2nd (Sat.) Taichung Session: Windsor Hotel Taichung – Multipurpose Theater Hall/Conference Center,1:00pm-5:00pm, August 3rd (Sun.) Registration Registration Fee: 800 NTD (Free for persons with Disability Identification and members of Eden Social Welfare Foundation Website, Join Now!) Emailing/Fax: Please download and fill out the Registration Form then send to secretariat by email/ fax.Registration Deadline: July 25th 2008 Contact: Ms. Eileen Lu Tel: 02-2578-4515 ext.201Fax: 02-2578-3949 E-Mail:doia@eden.org.tw (Please specify Registration for PWD CEO International Symposium)Payment: Post Office DepositAccount No: 02022600187900 Account Name: Eden Social Welfare FoundationBank: EnTie Bank - Changlun BranchRemark:Registration for The 1st International CEO with Disabilities Symposium, Please fax or email us your receipt with the Registration Form and specify the participation date is 8/2 or 8/3 to complete the registration process. *For ATM transfer, please provide the last five numbers of your account. Note: 1.Refreshment will be provided 2.Registration begins at 13:00, please register and receive your symposium materials at the Reception Desk. 3.Please DO NOT brings food and drinks into the conference place, thank you for your cooperation. ★Good News: the top 100 people to register and pay the registration fee will receive the book “My Left Foot” by Prince Star (in Chinese).

【快樂工作 早知道】第一屆國際身障CEO座談會

【快樂工作 早知道】 第一屆國際身障CEO座談會   身心障礙朋友也能成為您企業的菁英。   近三十位聽障朋友可以在無塵室中高效率的工作,腦性麻痺的朋友可以在職場上「穩定」工作,聘任一位視障朋友可以定期為證券營業員舒解壓力,抗壓力極佳的身心障礙者非常適合擔任電話客服員。   身心障礙不等於能力障礙,不但能降低企業人事成本,達到工作績效,亦能幫助企業發揮競爭力,落實社會責任,履行社會義務。   為打破企業對於僱用身心障礙者迷思,長期幫助企業規劃品牌形象的伊甸基金會,特別邀請泰國上議院議員、世界視障聯盟(WBU)理事MR. Monthian Buntan來台,從國際觀點探討身心障礙朋友的人力資源趨勢,並邀請前立法委員、台灣社會福利總盟秘書長王榮璋先生回應國內的現況,同時邀請國內僱用身障者的績優企業經驗分享,期待幫助國內企業轉型,重新思考人力資源發展與技職訓練,幫助社會人力運用重新規劃,邁入國際績優企業行列。 座談場次: 台北場 時間:民國97年8月2日(六) 下午1:00-5:00 地點:外貿協會台北國際會議中心101AB會議室 地址:11049 台北市信義路五段1號 台中場 時間:民國97年8月3日(日) 下午1:00-5:00 地點:台中裕元花園酒店 地址:40764 台中市中港路三段 78-3 號 報名流程: 請至以下網址報名: http://www.eden.org.tw/news_detail.php?bulletin=2&b_id=140 ★好康訊息 – 前100名報名繳費者,即可獲得星星王子 ”我的左腳 ”一書。

2008年7月30日 星期三

Accessible Toursim Volunteer Experience(2)

When I was confirmed to keep the trip with disabilities to Tamsui in a typhoon day, I was shocked but said “OK” immediately. After that, I was not only shocked but confused. However, when I became closer to these people, I realized and admired their courage to insist this trip. At first, I was afraid that I may hurt them because of the wheelchair-misuse error. But when I tried my best to help, I found that it was not that hard as I thought before. The more I talked to them, the more I learned from them. They can do everything just like us, such as dance, swim, and ski. However, for me, I rarely make a good use of my time to do what I plan to do. Through their experiences, I get to know more about them. Besides, the most important thing is that I have more courage to fulfill my dream. They are not just optimistic about life but also make it more actively. By their smile and share, I learned a totally different attitude towards life. Rachel 本來以為這個體驗營的活動會因為颱風而取消,沒想到負責人在前一天打電話來說:「就算是颱風天也要風雨無阻的前進。」讓我對這活動開啟了不一樣的期待。預料之中的是一大早出門就是大雨,預料之外的是原來前一天打電話給我的負責人本身也是身心障礙者,這讓我對於「風雨無阻」那四個堅定的字眼有更不一樣的印象。從一開始的膽怯因為害怕自己的不熟悉操作輪椅傷害他們,到後來可以跟他們哈哈大笑的聊天,透過這個活動,與其說是我在幫他們,不如說是他們讓我學到了很多跟想像中、課本中不一樣的東西。 看見他們的樂觀,聽見他們的分享,說出他們的經驗,很多對我們應該是輕而易舉、稀鬆平常的事情,他們得到的感受卻是比我們多出好幾倍的快樂跟知足:妳說妳去了日本滑雪還去了澳洲;你們夫妻倆說你們一早就先去游泳才來這個活動報到;你們笑語間透露出學國標舞的樂趣甚至不吝嗇的當場表演;當我們志工自我介紹時,妳拿起化到一半的眉筆跟我們揮揮手…等。想起自己規劃要去哪些國家卻一個也還沒實現,立志要早起去運動而不是睡到起來吃早午餐,學過國標舞也不敢在眾人面前表演過…等,看他們面對自己想做的事情,那種行動力是我自嘆不如的,更重要的是,看他們面對人生的態度,我覺得那比任何技能都重要。時晴時雨的天氣其實把淡水裝飾的很浪漫,你們爽朗的笑聲跟分享更是見證這一場活動的不可或缺的角色。謝謝你們讓我有機會參加這個活動,因為你們讓我有機會看到不一樣的世界。 侯怡婷

2008年7月29日 星期二

Accessible Toursim Volunteer Experience(1)

It was an unforgettable experience which was also my first volunteered activity in Eden Social Welfare Foundation. The thing I needed to do was give a hand to people with wheelchairs when we were traveling around Tamshui. It was not as hard as I thought; in fact, I really enjoyed this excursion. The companions were really kind to me while I made some mistakes; they even taught me how to hold the wheelchairs properly. They encouraged me to try it again and again; however, I still need more practice. Although I got a chance to witness how the climbing ladder worked for wheelchairs at Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology, yet I thought the facility was still dangerous for disabled people. Even I didn’t have courage to experience the climbing ladder; therefore, I thought the experiencer was fearless and brave. The climbing ladder was more like a slow roller coaster because the ladder was really steep. All of us were very exciting and vigorous while we visited Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology and Fort San Domingo. One of the companions was an erudite who briefly taught me about the history of Fort San Domingo in Tamshui. I learned a lot by this chance. By the way, the view in Fort San Domingo was very beautiful in that day. I was very glad to be with them on July 17, 2008. ~Monica 這是第一次參與伊甸基金會的志工活動,我懷著既緊張又興奮的心情前往。到了捷運站,看到專為身心障礙者設計的巴士來接送,有點不知道要如何協助他們上車。剛開始,我完全不曉得要用多少力道與速度推輪椅,感謝身心障礙朋友的指導,讓我實際練習與操作,現在我可以說我已經具備基礎協助的能力了;但是,唯一美中不足的地方是我的臂力還不足以支撐身心障礙朋友們,要鍛鍊! 經過這一次無障礙設施的遠足體驗,我注意到了無障礙設施仍然不足、有些無障礙斜坡道仍有些不符合規格、爬坡梯很陡峭、而且無障礙廁所居然要男女共用,常常使得男性身障者要進入女生廁所內使用專用廁所,往往會造成尷尬的處境。 但是同樣地,我也深刻的感受到還是有很多人很樂意他們也很願意為身障朋友們服務、為身障朋友們改善週遭不利的設施,這樣的心意我們都收到了。希望社會大眾能多為身障者設身處地的考量,讓旅遊不再是一件難事。 陳 穎

2008年7月25日 星期五

Shyamal's sharing of disability simulation activity

The idea of the stimulation is very good. It shows us what it is to have a disability, but at the same time, having a disability doesn't mean he person lives a very disastrous life. Having a disability does not in habit a person in any way.

2008年6月20日 星期五

Apply for Eden Volunteer

Hi, I'm a Canadian living in Taipei and I'm interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities. I'm fluent in English and French and can hold decent conversations in Mandarin. I currently teach English but my prior work experience includes working as a credit counsellor and as a marketing coordinator with a youth employment center, where I helped organize events and seminars. I hope this information helps you determine how my skills may best be put to use.I look forward to hearing from you soon, Joel Charron Hallo, I would like to know if your organisation would need any partime staff or volunteer? I am a 50 year old Malaysian lady married to a Taiwanese. My English is good. However, I can only speak and understand Chinese relatively well.If you feel I could be of service to your organisation in any way, please feel free to contact me. RegardsRena

2008年6月3日 星期二

Eden International Volunteer Community Service Trip in Taitung

This summer Eden Social Welfare Foundation International Cooperation Center will be hosting a Community Service Trip to Taitung for foreign volunteers. The community service will be along side aboriginal culture activities. We are going to recruit ten foreigners (over 16 years old) in Taiwan to do the volunteer service in Taitung. (1)Volunteer Program Period: 2008.7.16-2008.7.22 (2)Volunteer Location: Jian He Community in Taitung City (3)Volunteer Program Fee: NTD5000 (Including, accommodation, food, transportation fee go and back from Taipei to Taidong, insurance, hot spring fee, T-shirt) (4)Community Service Trip Programs: ●Community Service There is a variety of events and service that the trip to Taitung will hold. First, there will be culture activity with the volunteers and the teenagers. The volunteers will be teaching children and teenagers their native culture and language that the volunteers will be able to design themselves. Volunteers should love to be around children and teenagers. Volunteer also need to hold disability simulation activity for the teenagers. ●Aboriginal Festival During the week of service Taitung will be holding an annual Aboriginal festival. This is a huge event where aboriginals come from all over Taiwan to take part in the festivities. From tasting traditional aboriginal food to drinking special rice wine, this event is not one to be missed. ●Taitung Attractions The volunteers will also have opportunities to see many attractions in Taitung. Taitung is famous for mountains, sea, and its magnificent scenery. There will be some free time for the volunteers to enjoy Taitung. One attraction in Taitung is the famous hot springs, a great place to relax after a day of service. Eden is also planning a barbeque party for the volunteers!! ●JOIN!!! We hope you can join Eden in this unique foreign volunteer opportunity. Not only will you be giving back to deserving people but you will be gaining a great experience and a trip to a small city that is rich in culture and life. Download the volunteer application form: http://engweb.eden.org.tw/modules/eguide/event.php?eid=19

Eden International Volunteer Community Service Trip in Taitung: Volunteer Activities

Going to Taidong to volunteer is a really great opportunity. Serving the aboriginal children and teenagers is very rewarding and also so much fun. Volunteers should expect to teach children and teenagers the volunteer’s mother language, your culture, arts and crafts, and other culture-to-culture activities. This activity is a sort of day camp mostly engaging the kids in fun ways to learn about other people and to teach about there own culture. We will also be doing disability simulation activity, through this activity children and teenagers will experience how disabled persons move and what obstacles that may holds. The volunteers also have opportunity to do the community services with children and teenagers. Taidong is rich in culture and the people are wonderful. This opportunity is a great way to get out of the big city and get to know another cultural aspect of Taiwan.

Eden International Volunteer Community Service Trip in Taitung: Accommodation

The people in Taidong are providing accommodation to the volunteers. There are extra bedrooms in some of the after school programs, and there is also opportunity to camp if you so choose. Taidong is a really beautiful place and the volunteers will mostly likely want to spend most of there time outdoors, but the accommodation is also very nice as it will make the price of the trip much cheaper.