Staff Reporter
Inspired by the US White House's Internship Program, Taiwan's Presidential Office yesterday announced that it will select 25 outstanding young people, one from each of the nation's 25 counties and cities, to serve as research assistants at the government's highest policy-making institute.
"This initiative to create a Presidential Office Youth Corps (總統府青年團), aims to provide a unique opportunity for some of the country's younger citizens, aged between 25 and 30 years, to directly observe and participate in the daily operation of the Presidential Office," said deputy secretary general to the president, Chen Che-nan (陳哲男).
Chen explained that some young volunteer social workers suggested to President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) during a meeting in March to establish a mechanism similar to the White House's Internship Program, the president then ordered his staff members to draw up a draft plan for carrying out the idea.
"After half a year's preparatory work, we can now announce that recruitment for the Presidential Office Youth Corps has formally started today [yesterday] and the program will start next January," Chen said.
Chen urged the public to recommend proper candidates or apply for themselves to join the group.
"We hope the successful applicants will learn about public affairs and spread understanding for the government's work during the time of their internship, which will be one year."
Chen stressed that the group's major tasks will be to assist presidential officials in dealing with their work and organizing most public activities, such as holding ceremonies or gatherings. They may also have to contact or coordinate with other government agencies, institutes, and private sectors.
"Basically they will just act as assistants to accomplish basic government tasks, and will not be allowed to participate in classified issues," Chen said.
As to the welfare and salary of the successful applicants, Chen said that the Presidential Office had decided to seek donations from private enterprises instead of using the government's budget.
"We don't want to increase the government's financial burden and therefore we aim to solicit funds from successful enterprises," he said.
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