From Support to Action Gongliao New Immigrant Care Association Builds a Local Support Network and Cultural Integration
In Gongliao, we understood from the very beginning that companionship is never a short-term commitment. As a new immigrant from Vietnam and now the chairperson of the Gongliao New Immigrant Care Association in New Taipei City, I have come to deeply realize over the years that adapting to life in a new place takes time-and it also requires someone to walk alongside you. For me, the work of the association has never been just about organizing events or running courses; it is about long-term companionship. Every new immigrant who arrives in Taiwan carries a different background and story, and what we hope to do is help them gradually find their footing and discover their own place here.The founding idea of the association was actually very simple: to “accompany.” To accompany them in adapting to life, in learning the language, and in getting through the most uncertain stage. When many of the sisters first arrived, even daily communication was difficult, let alone participating in community life. But I have always believed that with support, they can find their way forward.Over the years, we have moved forward step by step, from initial care visits and companionship services to expanding into cultural exchange and community participation. The year 2016 marked an important turning point. That was when we began stepping beyond our own circle and bringing the sisters into the community. With the support of the Gongliao District Office, we organized various activities such as international food banquets, where flavors from different countries were shared at the same table, allowing people to get to know one another. We also held multicultural fashion shows, where the sisters wore traditional attire from their home countries and confidently stood on stage.To outsiders, these may have seemed like just events, but for many of the sisters, it was the first time they were truly seen and recognized. I still remember someone telling me after stepping off the stage, “I didn't know I could stand on a stage.” At that moment, I knew we were on the right path. Later, we established the “Beautiful Diversity Dance Group,” using dance as another language to bring cultural elements from their homelands into the community. Over time, the group became an important bridge for cultural exchange in Gongliao.By 2020, we began to reflect further: participation alone was not enough. We wanted them to gain capabilities and even give back to the community. We applied for innovation projects and launched diverse talent development programs, including baking, dance, cultural sharing, and guided tours. These programs encouraged the sisters to transform their skills into abilities-and into value. Some began teaching classes, while others participated in community tours. Gradually, they were no longer just participants, but service providers. Through outreach programs, we also brought these courses into different corners of the community, from nail care for seniors and essential oil massage to creative workshops for children using local materials. These everyday services built connections, allowing culture to be lived, not just displayed.The three years of the pandemic were challenging, but they also prompted us to rethink our direction. We shifted our focus back to education by promoting women's university programs, continuing learning opportunities, and investing in children's arts development. We also applied for the Satellite Program to establish after-school care centers. For many families, this was not just childcare-it was a form of stability and reassurance. When children have a stable learning environment, parents can work with peace of mind, and when families are stable, the community becomes stable as well. Supporting new immigrants is not just about individuals, but about families and the broader environment.In 2023, I took on the role of chairperson. For me, it was not a new beginning, but a continuation of responsibility. Building on our existing foundation, we expanded services to include children's centers, violin classes in the women's university, as well as aerobic exercise, yoga, English, swimming, painting, and computer courses. People of different ages and needs can all find opportunities for growth here. What I value most is giving the sisters the opportunity to become instructors. When they stand on the stage as teachers, it is not just about earning income-it represents a transformation of identity, from being helped to helping others. That confidence is the most meaningful gain.In 2024, computer classes were launched for the first time, using digital learning to build fundamental skills for new immigrants and children, bridging the information gap and enhancing practical applications in learning and daily life（Photo／Provided by Gongliao District New Immigrant Care Association, New Taipei City）In recent years, we have also strengthened community connections through various activities. Events such as “One Dish Per Person – Returning Home Gathering and Satellite Program Showcase” allow participants to share memories and culture through food. Community tours, cultural experiences, church exchanges, dragon boat activities, and Women's Day events have created opportunities for people from different backgrounds to meet and connect. Participation continues to grow, and relationships have become closer-these changes are built gradually over time.On April 12 this year, we will host a Mother's Day appreciation event with an expected 250 participants, in collaboration with the Gongliao Revitalization Association, Gongliao District Office, village offices, and multiple community development associations. Through cross-sector collaboration, we aim to bring resources directly into the community and encourage broader participation. During the event, the women's university violin group-composed of women who started from scratch-will perform to showcase their learning outcomes. There will also be multicultural fashion shows and Vietnamese dance performances, allowing diverse cultures to be seen and understood more naturally. In addition, artworks created by children from the Satellite Program will be exhibited for charitable purchase, encouraging support for their learning and growth.Looking back, I have become increasingly certain that new immigrants should not only be recipients of services. They can be carriers of culture, members of the community, and a force for change. When opportunities are opened, they respond in their own ways. “Integrating into local life, without distinction between you and me” is not just a slogan-it is something that happens every day. Moving forward, we will continue to deepen our local efforts, connect more resources, and provide more stable and meaningful support, helping more new immigrants find a sense of belonging and direction in Taiwan. What matters most is not how much the association has done, but how many people, because of this place, begin to believe in themselves and gain the courage to keep moving forward.At the 2024 Women's University Achievement Exhibition, titled “Blooming a Different Life-The Beauty of Women in Blossom,” the Gongliao violin class performed on stage, showcasing the results of continuous learning and growing confidence（Photo／Provided by Gongliao District New Immigrant Care Association, New Taipei City）
