Volunteers eager to lend a hand to the Panamanian people

Eight volunteers arrived in Panama on Saturday to begin a two-year stint with Taiwan's overseas volunteer force

The eight are the third such group sent by the government to Panama. They will teach Mandarin, English and information technology, as well as offer medical services and travel planning at cultural centers, churches and shelters for the disabled.

Among the volunteers is Lin Ping-cheng (林秉正), a graduate of National Cheng Kung University's Graduate Institute of Information Technology, who used to work at a semiconductor manufacturing firm in the Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park .

Lin said that joining the overseas volunteer force is an important step in his career plan and in his pursuit of "pluralistic values."

"I'll do my utmost to serve the Panamanian people during my two-year stint here," he said.

Chen Chi-chien (陳季茜), a nurse who previously worked at Chang Kung Memorial Hospital, said she once made short trips to Thailand and Cambodia to offer her medical services there.

"I'm very pleased to be able to work overseas on a long-term basis, but I felt a bit disappointed when I saw so many modern buildings in Panama City on my way from the airport to the ROC's technical mission. I originally expected to work in a primitive jungle setting, serving those who most need medical services," Chen said, adding that she plans to join the ROC's medical service missions in Africa after her Panama contract expires.

The volunteers will receive intensive language training before starting their work.

Taipei began sending volunteers to Panama in 2000. Three of the 12 previous volunteers returned home before their contracts expired due to poor health or other personal reasons.