Fifty children from Malawi and Congo got a taste of Taiwanese folk culture and cuisine yesterday during a "cultural tour" of Changhua County.
The children, who arrived last Wednesday for a concert tour, with the support of World Vision Taiwan (WVT), were entertained with a performance of traditional Taiwanese puppet theater.
They were apparently amazed by the colorful puppet figurines and the animated show, clapping their hands enthusiastically during the performance presented by a local puppet- theater troupe.
Under arrangements by the Changhua County Government, the young visitors also tasted a variety of local delicacies and snacks.
During the past few days, the visitors have joined with children of two Aboriginal tribes -- the Rukai and the Puyuma -- in concerts held in Taipei and Taichung to sing out their gratitude for the love, concern and aid from Taiwan.
They will also give a similar concert in Kaohsiung City this week.
"The Taiwan visit is the first-ever overseas trip for these children," said Lin Cheng-hung (林政宏), deputy director of the WVT Central Taiwan Office. "We believe the rare journey will leave them with unforgettable memories," he said.
Noting that life is hard in Malawi due to poverty, Lin said the WVT has donated NT$20 million (US$574,713) annually since 1995 to help poor families in Malawi.
The WVT is now assisting in building five elementary schools in the Katimbira region in central Malawi.
"Prospective donors can help a poor African child through a donation of only NT$700 per month," Lin said.
"We look forward to seeing more local people extend a helping hand to help African youngsters receive an education, escape poverty, and live with self-confidence and hope," he said.
RSS