An English-version of a book detailing Taiwan's foreign aid was launched yesterday in an attempt to highlight stories behind Taiwanese who have made sacrifices at the country's diplomatic frontlines.
"Each chapter is a moving and vivid account of the experiences of people from Taiwan who have selflessly traveled to distant countries in order to help those in need," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Eugene Chien (
Chien chairs the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), the country's main body's overseeing the country's foreign aid operations, the key publisher of the book.
"These individuals have helped to develop fisheries and agriculture, improve medical and other facilities, and to put roofs over people's heads in the developing world," Chien added.
Chien especially touched upon the names of Lien Chia-en (
Lien, a graduate in medicine from National Yang Ming University, who is stationed in Burkina Faso, has been taking part in the alternative diplomatic service program rather than serve his two-year compulsory military service.
Lien has been lauded for his efforts to help the sick in Burkina Faso and clean up the countryside of the sub-Saharan nation by launching a "clothes-for-trash" campaign. Lien began the campaign by urging people in Taiwan to donate their unwanted clothes to the African state, while encouraging locals to collect bags of garbage to exchange for the clothes.
Chen, former head of Taiwan's agricultural mission to Senegal, died last May from liver cancer. Chen earned the title of "the Tiger of Africa" for his tireless contributions to African countries by serving in Taiwan's agricultural technical missions.
According to ICDF records, Chen was the 36th person to die while serving at one of Taiwan's overseas technical missions since 1961.
Ambassador Jacques Sawadogo of Burkina Faso said the book was of "symbolic significance" to Taiwan's allies because it "demonstrates very profound relationships" between Taiwan and these states.
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