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In Taiwan, there are nearly 700,000 migrant workers, and 100,000 of them are migrant fishermen. This shows that they are playing important roles in Taiwan’s fishing industry. Indeed, there is an organization, Rerum Novarum Center (新事社會服務中心), promotes the rights and interests of migrant fishermen in Taiwan, providing comprehensive services to migrant workers so that they can get equal opportunities as others.
In this episode of "New Immigrants in Taiwan" Podcast unit, 4wayvoice &【Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network】invited Rerum Novarum Center member Jason Lee (李正新) to share about the organizational philosophy and how the organization actually put it into action to assist fishermen, as well as the firsthand experience of caring for fishermen.
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Jason Lee shares about the organizational philosophy. (Photo / Provided by the Rerum Novarum Center)
Rerum Novarum Center has been caring for the disadvantaged living in Taiwan, such as new immigrants, migrant workers, fishermen, etc.
In recent years, the organization has been actively helping port fishermen by not only
launching fundraising activities but also providing temporary shelter for female migrant workers when they are looking for a new employer. Moreover, their mental health and well-being are also taken care of.
Jason Lee mentions that the “Rerum Novarum Center” was established in 2017, reaching 21 fishing ports in North Taiwan.
While providing services, the organization also noticed that the cold and humid weather in winter has made fishermen feel uncomfortable at work. Taking into consideration of the lower temperatures out at sea combined with heavy wind, the fishermen are more likely to get sick without enough clothes to keep them warm.
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Rerum Novarum Center begins yearly collection of winter clothes for migrant fishermen. (Photo / Provided by the Rerum Novarum Center)
Therefore, every year prior to the arrival of winter, Rerum Novarum Center collects warm clothes for them, including quilts, coats, thermal underwear, and more. Jason Lee also invited readers to send love and warmth this winter.
In addition, Jason Lee also stated that many non-profit organizations have advocated setting up washrooms in the port. However, he thinks that a prayer room is also essential to migrant fishermen other than the toilets.
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Migrant workers are playing important roles in Taiwan’s fishing industry. (Photo / Provided by the Pixabay)
In addition, Jason Lee is actively assisting in providing free medical services to those in need. Besides, he is also conducting field research and understanding the concerns of the migrant fishermen, hoping to build a better living environment for them.
