In order to help the migrant workers have a healthy living environment as well as to better understand Taiwan's multicultural society, on September 16, the Rerum Novarum Labor Center (TSP Center) organized a trip to Museum of World Religions.
The Rerum Novarum Labor Center was established in 1971 and was originally office set up by Father Ellacuria to support labors. Currently, the Center has three main activities: Work Accident Assistance, Ethnic Minority Support and Foreign Migrant Workers Support in Taiwan. In line with the current trend of multiculturalism in Taiwan, not only does it increase the number of new immigrants, but it also attracts large numbers of foreign workers. Understanding the current situation, the Center offers a great deal of legal support, labor accidents, etc., as well as organizing skills and language courses for migrant workers.
On 16 September, the migrant workers visited the World Religions Museum located in Zhongshan Road, Yonghe District, Xinbei City. In the exciting atmosphere carrying the spirit of friendly exchanges, migrant workers from Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and even Taiwanese were eager to participate. Here they have the opportunity to make friends and share about new life and homesickness. Despite the language barrier, their sincerity opens each other’s heart.
The visit started with the activity "Together coloring and learning culture". The organizers distributed a small paper knife to everyone so that they could decorate it, also at the same time the staff at the museum explained the history of the knife. Migrant workers found it very interesting to know that this was a tool for self-defense and hunting that ancient mountainous people used in Taiwan. The atmosphere became more cheerful when the migrant workers decorated the paper knife by their own hands. A Vietnamese immigrant said he felt like he was going back to the innocent moment of childhood time.
After finishing the art work, the participants were invited to the modern 3D theater to watch a video. Though lasting for ten minutes, the movie has brought a meaningful message about peace and equality between races and religions. The content of the film has left deep impression in each laborer about life and human vision.
At the end of the film, the migrant workers were directed to the exhibition center to see and explore the history of the religions. One of the most impressive works to the workers is the carved wax sculptures, and the world's most famous architectural models. Each area has a museum staff who provides assistance together with a multinational translation team of the New Center. Everyone was fascinated by the history of Buddhism in Taiwan, the history of Buddhism and Christianity, the ancient statues of Buddhism as well as the famous religious architecture in the world such as the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame (Chartres Cathedral), the mosque Dome of the Rock in the ancient city of Jerusalem.
When the tour was about to finish, all the migrant workers were gathered in the large hall for exchanging and joining great arms. People made big circles to make friends and discuss with each other. An elite staff member of the New Sister Center - Mrs Angella - a new immigrant from Indonesia to Taiwan, who led and connected people through games and invited people to express their thoughts about today’s activites.
A migrant from Vietnam was deeply touched. She has been away from home for 12 years, and she treats Taiwan as her second home. She has been with the New Center for 3 years. She is also an active participant in the Chinese language classes at the New Center of Fujen university. She expressed her gratitude to the Center not only for the activities today but also for journey that her and her friends have been for many years.
A Fillipino migrant worker expressed her thoughts. She said she was very happy to come here and make friends many international people. Though they were not born in the same country or spoke the same language, but their sincerity has made such a meaningful connection.
At the end of the tour, the migrant worker were very excited talking about the journey and new knowledge. Everyone was expected to be able to participate in meaningful activities like today’s, to give away the sad and sorrows of living far away from home, and to learn new things in Taiwan.
The New Affairs Social Service Center is a social service organization dedicated to caring for disadvantaged individuals in the workplace, striving to promote a society where resources are shared for the common good. They have long been committed to improving the quality of life for migrant workers and elderly care, co-creating a harmonious society for migrant workers and employers. They help marginalized groups who suffer from exploitation and injustice, and they invite you to become their guardians. Your donation will help these vulnerable individuals in overcoming their difficulties and obtaining assistance for their rights. Please click(“I want to donate") or call (02) 2397-1933 #122. Thank you for your response and concern!