A Canadian teacher at an English as Second Language (ESL) elementary school in Greater Taichung said his first-grade students have sent letters to Lin Yu-chun (林余駿), the taxi driver who was allegedly beaten by a Japanese man and local singer and actress Makiyo, to show him they care.
The teacher, surnamed Honda, told the Taipei Times he was a creative writing teacher at the Li-Yuan Campus of the Washington American School in Greater Taichung.
After reading articles in the Taipei Times about the Makiyo case, which some students had already heard about from other media, they decided to do their part.
Photo courtesy of Honda
“We discussed the issue in class,” Honda said. “Many students expressed their compassion to Mr Lin, while some expressed that we should not use violence against other people when we are angry.”
He said that from this case, his students learned many lessons about what happens when they do not act responsibly.
They also learned how they can care for others and what they can do to be helpful, he said.
The students decided to write separate letters to Lin, which they then sent in a package, he said.
In the letters, most students told him they loved him and hoped he would get better soon so that he could drive his taxi again, Honda said.
One student named Elaine wrote: “My name is Elaine. I am a girl ... I have heard on TV about you. We should not hit others. My teacher is teaching us to help others when they need help. You are a cool taxi driver!”
Honda said they then delivered the letters to Lin through Lin’s attorney, Chou Wu-jung (周武榮).
Chou said he appreciated the student’s compassion and efforts, and would give the letters to Lin.
Lin was discharged from hospital and is resting in a rented house nearby.
Lin was allegedly beaten by Takateru Tomoyori, a Japanese friend of Makiyo, and Makiyo herself on Feb. 2.
Both have been charged with causing severe bodily harm, and the court has started the hearing.
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