Director Liao noted that this year's ceremony carries the theme “Hello, Ocean,” comparing social workers to waves advancing and overcoming obstacles, and positively impacting the lives of those they serve, bringing hope and promising futures. The trophies, designed around the concept of an hourglass, symbolize the dedication of social workers in investing their time and energy to support others. This dedication transforms into a substantial force that aids families in overcoming challenges, offering opportunities for disadvantaged families to turn their lives around!

The Social Affairs Bureau noted that the recognition ceremony features eight awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Special Contribution Award, Torchbearer Award, Outstanding Supervision Award, Outstanding Social Worker Award, Emerging Supervisor Award, Emerging Social Worker Award, and Practicing Safety Award. Chen Kun-huang, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and currently serving as Deputy Director of Taichung City Government's Social Affairs Bureau, has worked across various fields such as children, adolescents, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Notably, he has dedicated nearly a decade to child and adolescent welfare, never forgetting why he started in promoting social services. He integrates interdisciplinary professional knowledge to address the needs of service recipients, striving to help them overcome challenges and find happiness.

Additionally, the recognition ceremony invited last year's recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Wang Hsiu-yen, and the Special Contribution Award, Sun Te-li, as presenters for the Emerging Social Worker Award, Emerging Supervisor Award, and Outstanding Supervisor Award, symbolizing the passing down of the spirit and mission of social workers. 

The Social Affairs Bureau noted that the aim of the ceremony is to acknowledge and bring recognition to the diligent efforts of social workers who often work behind the scenes. They also expressed hope that all these unsung heroes can take pride in their contributions. This year's dress code was “Ocean Wonders,” and attendees were encouraged to dress in blue or attire reflecting marine elements, embodying the spirit of “You’ll be there, I’ll be there.” It signifies that social workers will always be there whenever needed, and that the city government is social workers’ staunchest ally.

The Social Affairs Bureau added that to express gratitude for the dedication and hard work of social workers, the Jian Xian Si Qi Education Foundation, represented by Director Lu Wan-ping, generously provided hotel accommodation vouchers to all 60 award recipients. This gesture is intended to offer both mental and physical relief to social workers. Additionally, the Bureau has produced a professional video titled “What Do Social Workers Do?” to highlight the professionalism of social workers. The video will be shared on the “Social Love Warms Taichung” Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/tccgsoc/), aiming to provide insight into the various aspects of social work and deepen public understanding of the enthusiastic efforts made by social workers to assist others. Today's ceremony was attended by city council member Shen Yu-lien, Chief Secretary Li Hsi-chi of the East District Office. Vice President Chiang Chi-chen of the Legislative Yuan, legislators Lo Ting-wei and Liao Wei-hsiang. City council members Cheng Kung-chin, Lin Pei-han, Chen Wen-cheng, Chen Cheng-hsien, Chu Yuan-hung, Huang Shou-ta, Huang Hsin-hui, and Chen Ya-hui also sent representatives to join the event and show support.

The Social Affairs Bureau highlighted events scheduled for Children's Day week. On April 7, the Nantun Parent-Child Center organized the “Exploring the World of Children” event, inviting the “Unique Me” Children's Theater to guide kids into the Rainbow Garden to experience inclusive games like string telephones, sign language, and the dark tunnel. Meanwhile, on April 13, the Dali Parent-Child Center will host the “SDGs - Hand in Hand for Our Planet” event, featuring parent-child challenge games focusing on waste sorting, water conservation, and healthy eating. Additionally, there will be swap booths where children could exchange toys, promoting the value of cherishing things.

In addition, on April 13, the Nantun Parent-Child Center will present the “When We Play with Kids” event, showcasing a performance by center instructors titled The Best Children's Day Gift. This event aims to foster diverse perspectives among parents and children, encouraging them to understand, confront, embrace, and respect differences in children. Meanwhile, the Shalu Parent-Child Center will hold the “Deer Luke's Debut Game Train - Join Luke for an Exciting Adventure” event, where participants embark on a journey led by Deer Luke to navigate challenges, safeguard the environment, and ultimately earn an explorer's exclusive telescope! 

On the morning of April 14, the Houli Parent-Child Center will, in collaboration with the Fengyuan Women and New Immigrants’ Empowerment Center, host the “Pears of Houli: Lucky Family Picnic” event, where attendees share Southeast Asian customs, cuisine, and music. The event will also feature a large-scale painting session of Songkran, as well as interactive challenge games for families. Also, at the Daya Parent-Child Center, the “Tiger Maihu's 3rd Birthday Party” event will include a magic show and various challenge games for families to enjoy together. In the afternoon, the Pinglin Parent-Child Center will organize the “Magic Kingdom Family Adventure” event. Under the lead of the Myth Magic Troupe, the event offers parents and children a chance to explore magical realms through scentific challenge games like magical fabric, mirror duplication, magician's treasure, and light and shadow transformations.

On April 17, the Xinshe Parent-Child Center will hold the “More Fun for Kids” event, featuring night market-themed games like bowling, fishing, and entertaining ping-pong. Meanwhile, on April 27, the Heping Parent-Child Center will host the “Children's Day Family Event: Happy Childhood, Exciting Heping, and Third Anniversary Celebration.” This event offers various parent-child challenges such as DIY projects, ring toss, and archery for little Tayal warriors to showcase their skills. Families will also have the opportunity to taste Tayal specialty soups and cakes while celebrating the center's third birthday.

The Social Affairs Bureau noted that parent-child centers are equipped with play areas designed for different age groups, offering books and toys suitable for children aged 0 to 6. They host numerous monthly parent-child activities like storytelling, music, art, science experiments, and baking. These activities aim to foster emotional connections between parents and children and support children's overall development. The centers provide convenient, professional, free, and comprehensive childcare services to families. Welcome to check the Taichung Parent-Child website (https://parent-child.taichung.gov.tw/index.aspx) or the Facebook pages of the respective parent-child centers for event details and booking information.

Deputy Mayor Lai noted that pregnancy is profoundly significant life experience for women, and that unintended pregnancy is a pregnancy occurred when one wasn’t emotionally or mentally prepared for it. Providing warmth, attention, and support, along with taking concrete actions to create a sense of belonging for those who caught off guard by pregnancy, serves as invaluable support for both the girls and their families. 

Deputy Mayor Lai noted that although the city's Social Affairs Bureau has identified the needs of these women and initiated related plans, relying solely on the public sector isn't sufficient. If it weren’t for the private sector offering ideas and resources to collaborate with the city government, such a beneficial hub wouldn’t be realized. “Mayor Lu often emphasizes that one person alone cannot accomplish something great; it requires teamwork to achieve greatness!” Deputy Mayor Lai stressed that through collaboration between the public and private sectors, the hub has been established, offering services to aid those in need.

Chou Te-yang, superintendent of China Medical University Hospital, noted that China Medical University has been dedicated to cutting-edge medical care and social responsibility, viewing unintended pregnancy as a crucial societal concern. China Medical University offers professional medical services and counseling in this area, including specialized clinics within the Integrated Women Center where their healthcare teams strive to deliver top-quality care. 

Ms. White, a young mommy joining in today's event, shared that many mothers often feel limited in life after having children. She expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Social Affairs Bureau, who helped her navigate financial assistance and job resources. Initially hesitant about enrolling in courses due to childcare challenges, she appreciated the assistance from the Fengyuan Women and New Immigrants’ Empowerment Center, who offers both nail art classes and childcare services, tailored to mothers' needs while allowing them to grow with their kids. She also thanked the Taichung City Government for aiding mothers in overcoming pressing challenges. 

The Social Affairs Bureau noted that the city government allocated funds to refurbish and revitalize the third floor of the Taichung Girls' Center in collaboration with China Medical University Hospital. Additionally, a donation of 1 million NTD from the Lin Tseng Lien Welfare and Charity Foundation, founded by Yo Ji Construction, was utilized for this purpose. Furthermore, entrepreneur Hung Shih-chao from Mammy Village donated maternal and infant supplies, and local artistic talent Chen Hsi, aged 16, contributed a mermaid artwork, enhancing the vitality of the hub.

The Social Affairs Bureau added that the Taichung Girls' Center was established in 2015 to offer resources for girls' empowerment, aligning with the UN's focus on investing in girls. Now, on its third floor, the Young Mom Unintended Pregnancy Care Hub has been set up to establish a network of primary prevention resources and offer a more diverse range of services. Welcome to inquire and make reservations by calling 04-2223-0690, and follow the Facebook page of the Taichung City Young Mom Unintended Pregnancy Care Hub (https://www.facebook.com/people/臺中市-Young-媽咪非預期懷孕新創基地/61555834681748/).

Today's event was attended by Deputy Mayor Lai Shu-hui, Director Liao Ching-chih of the Social Affairs Bureau, city council member Chen Cheng-hsien, Superintendent Chou Te-yang of China Medical University Hospital, and Chairman Lin Chia-chi of the Lin Tseng Lien Charity Foundation founded by Yo Ji Construction, all gathered to show their support.

Breaking away from the traditions and stereotypes of conferences, the “Citizen Café” meetings were presided over by executives of non-profit organizations who served as team chiefs for members sitting on long tables. Ten topics, including “social empowerment projects”, “time banks”, “social enterprises”, “non-profit organizations” and “sustainable development”, were discussed in three stages. Participants shared ideas, found new action opportunities, and reached consensus, said the Social Affairs Bureau.

For example, when the “volunteer capital” topic was discussed, participants not only stressed the importance of a complete training system for the volunteers but also asked the volunteer groups to strengthen their own internal training and encourage volunteers to build up the concept of self-learning and self-growth. Someone even proposed a breakthrough concept to allow those people assisted or aided by volunteers to serve the volunteers and/or the community, pointed out the Social Affairs Bureau.

When the “non-profit organizations” topic was in session, participants focused on how social enterprise scan achieve sustainable development, control their product quality, promote their product, retain repeated customers, and carry out their missions. They also proposed to set up a resource platform through which to establish the talent database and consolidate relevant knowledge for a better development of social welfare programs.

Lue Jen-der (呂建德), Director-general of Social Affairs Bureau, said “The Citizen Cafe forum triggers our reflection on related issues and participants can share their knowledge and ideas. It shall stimulate the society and bring in good effects. Conclusions on each topic from the forum will serve as a good reference for our future policy formulation and implementation.”