In a bid to promote cultural exchange between the Aborigines in Taiwan and Australia, the Australian Commerce and Industry Office yesterday donated a set of Australian Aboriginal Children's books to the Taipei City Aborigines' Educational Counseling Center.
On behalf of the Aborigines in Taipei, Kung Wen-chi (
PHOTO: LIN CHENG-KUNG, TAIPEI TIMES
According to the Council of Aboriginal Affairs, the date for the book donation was chosen to coincide with Australia's annual Aboriginal memorial week, which this year takes place between July 7 and today. Australia's annual Aboriginal memorial week gives Australian Aborigines a chance to celebrate as well as display the richness of their culture and heritage to the rest of the Australian community.
In addition to the book donation, both Adamson and Kung also attended a ceremony yesterday to kick off a three-month basic English program, a summer program that is co-sponsored by both the office and the council to advance the English proficiency of Aboriginal children.
"We hope that through this set of English children's book and the curriculum, they will help enhance Taipei City's Aboriginal youngsters' interest in learning English," said Kung when expressing gratitude for the Australian Commerce and Industry Office's warm-heartedness and generosity.
"English has become a must-learn language in today's era of globalization," added Kung. "And thus by enhancing the English proficiency of our Aboriginal kids, the kids can become a bridge in promoting cultural exchange between [Taiwan and Australia.]"
Aside from the book donation and program inauguration, yesterday's event also featured several activities such as Australian Aboriginal facial tattoos, traditional artwork and Taiwan Aboriginal dances to highlight the richness of Aboriginal culture.
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