At the end of the year, the Keelung Migrant Fishermen Union(KMFU), which was formed by foreign fishermen living in Keelung City, hosted a year-end celebration in the cold wind and drizzle. KMFU also allow the fishermen of New Taipei City or the fishermen of other counties and cities to gather together to cheer each other at the end of the tense year of the epidemic. By doing lotteries and delivering meals, they can unite each other's hearts in a foreign land and be more united and support with each other.
Rerum Novarum service team has been in the port for a long time to help foreign fishermen. Through contact with individual cases or groups, the social worker tried to improve their self-awareness and understanding and practice of rights, regulations, responsibilities and obligations. When KMFU told the Rerum Novarum commissioner to hold an event, the commissioner suggested that the union cadres can plan to hold an voluntary activity organized by foreign fishermen at the fishing port, where they usually work and live, and invite foreigners from nearby counties and cities. In addition, it can be open to all the fishermen with no limitation to union membership. At the same time, relevant units of the Taiwanese government and the private sectors are also invited to participate, so that participants can go to the fishing port, directly experience the environment of the port, learn to actively establish integration and interaction, and present the exchange of multicultural groups.
On the day of the event, more than 100 foreign fishermen attended the event, as well as local units including the Keelung City Brigade, the Keelung City Government Police, and several private NGOs and agency companies. At the beginning of the activity, the Islamic elders led everyone to chant the Koran and pray for blessings, praying that Allah's life and work in a foreign land would be safe and sound, and that he was always grateful for everything he had received. Next, the chairman and director-general of the fishermen’s union delivered speeches, expressing the hope that the union could assist the fishermen, not only in terms of labor and management, but also in activities such as education, cohesion, community integration, etc., so that the union can meet the fishermen’ needs. The government unit also promote the policy of vaccination and the prevention regulations of the ban on meat products to let foreign fishermen know the relevant policies and assist in conveying to other fellow villagers and people in the home country for assistance and cooperation.
Many non-governmental organizations expressed their sincere gratitude to this group of fishermen who have contributed to their families and Taiwan's economy in their speeches. They also hope that the fishermen can work in Taiwan safely and return to their home countries in a safe and healthy way. The Rerum Novarum commissioner paid special attention to the fishermen who have not yet been vaccinated and suggested that they should be vaccinated as soon as possible. If there is any need, Rerum Novarum commissioner is willing to provide assistance. At the same time, we asked the fishermen if they liked Taiwan or not. The fishermen responded loudly and lively ,” SUKA (like in Indonesian)”, which made us feel very relieved because liking means the land is very friendly.
After a group of guests delivered speeches, the KMFU staff delivered Indonesian meals to everyone at the event and showed the Indonesia turmeric rice tower and invited those who have been serving on the front line of the port for a long time to taste it. Rerum Novarum came to accept the chairman of KMFU who serving a large plate of turmeric rice to thank us for the long-term assistance and companion. Afterward, the KMFU staff start the lottery section. These prizes were sponsored by private and government-related units, with a total of more than 100 pieces of prizes. We hope everyone who participated in the activity can be joyful. The presents will make this cold winter drizzle night warm up again.
After the event, the foreign fishermen happily gathered with each other and took a photo. They looked relaxed and happy, forgot the fatigue and stress of their daily work, and showed a rare cheerfulness, confidence, and smile.
In the long run, the fishermen is a group who has been ignored. In 2017, Rerum Novarum reach these people. We not only concern about their lives but help them solve the problem about regulation, salary payment, job accident, employers changing, human trafficking, and so on. We went to 21 ports and solve the practical problems of the fishermen. Due to the language barrier, we see many fishermen do not know how to ask for help and bear the difficult working environment instead. They are working day and night with the thin salary. We are looking forward to your help and hope your can be the protector for the foreign migrants. Press “I want to donate.” or call (02)2397-1933 #122. Thanks for your attention!