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Group extends a helping hand to foreign spouses

A new civic group aiming to assist Taiwan's new immigrants was officially established yesterday.

New Immigrants Assistance Association (中華民國新移民扶助協會) was established by professional counselors, dentists, physicians, family education experts and members of Taiwan District Kiwanis International.

"We hope by organizing activities and helping finance these activities, we may equip new immigrants with necessary skills to live in Taiwan," said Ruan Hsien-shu (阮憲書), Secretary General of the Association.

Three or four members in the Association's leaders have spouses who are new immigrants. In addition, approximately 15 percent of the members are married to foreign spouses.

As of yesterday, the Association had attracted a total of 120 people.

Many of the members were former Youth Corp volunteers who care about the underprivileged.

According to Ruan, the Association's short term goal is to provide job training programs and employment services to help foreign spouses find work in Taiwan.

The Association has already sought cooperation with employment and training centers across Taipei to provide these services. Also, a volunteer network will be established to connect immigrant communities.

Other programs that will be held on a regular basis include home economics, family medical care, and Taiwan-living orientation programs.

"In addition, we also hope to provide family educational services to families who live in multi-generation households," Ruan said.

The Association plans to first reach out to new immigrants in Taipei, then spread its services to central and southern Taiwan, and ultimately, to all cities and counties across the nation.
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