President Lai meets with youth overseas peace volunteers: 'Young people are Taiwan's most powerful representatives on the international stage'

(Central News Agency reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 8th) President Lai Ching-te met with representatives of the 'Youth Overseas Peace Volunteer Corps' at the Presidential Office today. He stated that a nation's future depends on the vision and breadth of its young people, and that youth are the most flexible and powerful representatives of Taiwan on the international stage.

In his address, President Lai mentioned that the attendees are about to depart for various parts of the world to engage in overseas volunteer service, wishing them a smooth journey and fruitful results.

The President said that this summer, 90 youth overseas peace volunteer corps, totaling 975 young people, subsidized by the Ministry of Education, will travel to Asia, Africa, Europe, and other regions to engage in overseas and digital services. The passion and kindness of these young people will spread to 20 countries around the world this summer.

President Lai stated that everyone will measure the world with their own feet, serve others with their own hands, and connect different cultures with their most sincere hearts. Whether on the front lines of rural education, basic healthcare, or cultural exchange, this is the best embodiment of deepening ties with the world in the name of Taiwan.

The President said that when young people embrace their dreams and hopes and go out into the world, the government should help them and encourage them to bravely pursue their dreams abroad. In addition to this project, the government has also launched the 'Youth Hundred Billion Overseas Dream Fund Project.' Last year, 1,463 young people had their applications approved. This year, the scale has been further expanded to provide over 3,000 opportunities, encouraging young people aged 15 to 30 to broaden their horizons at institutions, organizations, NGOs, and enterprises in more than 50 countries.

President Lai noted that among the young volunteers present today, some are about to travel to a country he visited just last month, Taiwan's African ally, Eswatini, for a 30-day volunteer service.

The President described the Kingdom of Eswatini as the 'Switzerland of Africa,' very beautiful, and completely different from the common perception of Africa as full of deserts. He said Eswatini is a very friendly ally of Taiwan and is well worth a visit for young people to build better relationships with the people of Eswatini.

Furthermore, the President welcomed young people to actively participate in the Dream Fund Project, stating that anyone with a dream can submit a plan. Each plan can receive a subsidy of up to NT$2 million. He mentioned that he has hosted students at the Presidential Office who used the project to learn skills abroad, including some who went to Thailand to learn cooking, Japan to learn cosmetology, South Korea to learn street dance, and the United States to learn baseball industry management. He emphasized that as long as one has a dream, the government will provide the platform to make it come true, which is the main goal of this project.

He said that in addition to substantial financial and project support, the government has also completed the legislative work for the 'Youth Basic Law,' aiming to comprehensively protect the rights and interests of young people through the national system and encourage them to participate in public policy and self-fulfillment.

The President acknowledged that the upcoming journey will not be easy, as everyone will leave their familiar environment, face language and cultural differences, and adapt to completely different living conditions. However, he believes that it is precisely through these challenges and adversities that they will discover their potential beyond imagination, realize the true meaning of 'it is more blessed to give than to receive,' and learn to listen and be more inclusive.

Finally, President Lai reminded the young volunteers to pay attention to their health, prioritize safety, and wished them a safe and rewarding journey. (Editor: Su Chi-chung) 1150608