Li Yao (李瑤), a Gansu new immigrant who has lived in Taiwan for more than 20 years, rose from being a volunteer to serving as the chairman of the Kaohsiung International New Immigrant Association (高雄國際新住民協會). She decided to join the ranks of volunteers in Gangshan, Kaohsiung, helping new immigrants overcome their challenges and create a bridge for them to integrate into Taiwanese society in order to solve the conundrum of them finding it difficult to work and study.
Li Yao (李瑤) and her family.Photo provided by Li Yao (李瑤)
More than 20 years ago, the policy on living assistance for new immigrants was in its infancy, and they had trouble enrolling in school and finding employment. The majority of Li Yao's time was spent at home caring for her in-laws in first few years when she moved to Taiwan. Li Yao's in-laws were familiar with the struggles of beginning a new life across an ocean because they'd moved to Taiwan from Fujian when they were young.
Li Yao also served as a volunteer at the Community College of Gangshan District after finding out that it offered classes focused on helping new immigrants adjust to life. She was capable of serving the public in addition to studying. She also had the chance to take part in community tutoring sessions that were held after school. Then Li Yao took over the job of chief secretary.
Li Yao (李瑤) establishes a connection between life in Taiwan and new immigrants of Kaohsiung after being inspired by her volunteer work at a community college.Photo provided by Li Yao (李瑤)
Li Yao said that the Kaohsiung City Government at the time entrusted many of the tasks of the Education Bureau to private organizations. To encourage people's active participation in public affairs, one of them was the local association (高雄市綠繡眼發展協會) in Gangshan, which provided painting and computer skills training.
Gangshan did not yet have a society set up to assist new immigrants at that time. The Kaohsiung International New Immigrant Association (高雄國際新住民協會) was jointly founded by the association (高雄市綠繡眼發展協會) and Li Yao was invited to serve as its chairman. The association also collaborated with community colleges to invest in community mutual aid.
Li Yao (李瑤) establishes a connection between life in Taiwan and new immigrants of Kaohsiung after being inspired by her volunteer work at a community college.Photo provided by Li Yao (李瑤)
Following the founding of the Kaohsiung International New Immigrant Association, numerous new immigrants shared their experiences as well as misperceptions and prejudices brought on by cultural differences during monthly gatherings. They also exchanged advice and knowledge while discussing challenges among themselves.
Li Yao (李瑤) establishes a connection between life in Taiwan and new immigrants of Kaohsiung after being inspired by her volunteer work at a community college.Photo provided by Li Yao (李瑤)
Li Yao said that the association will work with household registration offices, NIA service centers, and Labor Bureaus and invite new immigrants of various nationalities to work as lecturers and offer courses in response to demand.
