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Work, caregiving burden weigh on Taiwan’s strong generation
Explore the overlooked mental health challenges faced by Taiwan’s strong generation, aged 40-60, as they juggle family, work, and the fear of unemployment. Learn about the rising suicide rates among adults and the importance of self-care and early intervention.
2024/07/15 17:56
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Taipei offers doorstep garbage collection for older adults
Discover how Taipei’s Department of Environmental Protection is enhancing the lives of elderly residents with mobility issues through customized garbage collection services since 2018. Learn about the collaborative effort with the Department of Social Welfare and local offices to maintain cleanliness and dignity for older adults living alone.
2024/07/04 20:59
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New home care and telemedicine services starting in July
Discover how Taiwan’s new health regulations, effective July 1, will expand telemedicine services, enhance home emergency care, and improve child development screenings, benefiting millions.
2024/06/28 15:33
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New Taipei mourns toddler’s death, supports social workers
New Taipei City expresses sorrow over tragic child abuse case resulting in toddler’s death, vows ongoing support for impacted social workers. Outrage and concerns from social work organizations spark discussions. Mayor Hou Yu-ih vows to enhance social safety nets for child protection.
2024/03/13 18:26
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Taipei union defends social worker amid abuse case
The Taipei Social Workers Union protests against the blame placed solely on social worker Chen in the tragic child abuse case involving 1-year-old "Kai-kai." The union defends Chen’s cooperation in the investigation and criticizes undue media attention, urging respect for her privacy. Concerns are raised over the Child Welfare League Foundation’s demands and authorities using social workers as scapegoats. The union questions the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s delayed response and law enforcement’s handling of Chen. As the case proceeds judicially, the union calls for discretion in sharing sensitive information and highlights systemic issues in the social work sector.
2024/03/13 11:29
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Taoyuan’s garbage collectors gifted cash, donate to charity
Garbage collectors in Taoyuan City receive unexpected bonuses totaling over NT$156,000 in cash gifts from citizens during Lunar New Year. Despite refusing red envelopes, the city’s cleanup teams were still gifted with tokens of appreciation. The workers plan to donate the entire amount to local social welfare institutions. Taoyuan City’s Department of Environmental Protection emphasizes that garbage collection is a routine duty and urges the public to avoid gifting cash or presents, instead promoting proper waste segregation and eco-friendly habits.
2024/02/17 13:30
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Commuter chaos: unexpected train halt on Taipei’s Wenhu line
A transfer bridge on the Wenhu Line at Zhongxiao Fuxing Station of the Taipei Metro experienced a swarm of commuters due to a delayed automated train. The train failed to depart as scheduled, prompting officials to ask the approximately 300 passengers to disembark and board subsequent trains. Regular operations resumed shortly after. The train was moved to a siding, and initial investigations suggest a communication disruption with the vehicle control unit triggered the train’s self-protection mode and caused it to stop. The incident’s cause will be further analyzed after the day’s operations. Social media users reported having to wait for multiple trains at Daan Station and a brief stoppage at Technology Building metro station.
2024/01/30 13:03
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Survey reveals 58% of part-timers face wage issues
58% of part-time workers in Taiwan have faced wage issues, misleading job ads, and illicit contracts, according to a survey by Yes123 Job Bank. The platform advises job hunters to follow a list of "seven don’ts" and "four musts" to protect themselves. The survey also found that a record-breaking 87% of university students plan to work part-time over the winter break, with reasons including earning living expenses and gaining social experience. Of the respondents, 65% reported receiving wages lower than the government’s minimum wage, with some not even being insured. Only about 30% actively negotiated or reported these issues. Yes123 spokesman Yang Tsung-pin urged job seekers to prioritize labor rights and work safety.
2024/01/16 17:20
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Education Dept. confirms death of stabbed student
A junior high school student in New Taipei City has tragically died after being stabbed by another student. The victim suffered five knife wounds to his neck and lungs, despite receiving emergency treatment at the hospital. The incident occurred after a female student, who felt rebuked by the victim, recruited a male student to retaliate. The victim was stabbed twice in the lungs and neck, resulting in significant blood loss. Speculation of his death was confirmed by the Education Department. Following this incident, the department has pledged to strengthen measures to ensure student safety, including dispatching counselors and social workers for follow-up guidance and collaboration with police agencies. The Education Department is also providing support to the victim’s family through legal consultation and coordination with relevant departments. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance teachers’ campus security capabilities.
2023/12/27 10:45
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Ed. Bureau Director visits victim of campus knife attack
The director of the New Taipei City Education Bureau, Chang Ming-wen, changed his plans to visit a middle school student at the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital after the student was attacked on campus. The student, from a junior high school in Tucheng District, is in intensive care with serious injuries from a throat-slashing incident. The attack occurred when a male student confronted a female student during lunchtime, leading to verbal and physical assault. The male student used a folding knife to inflict multiple wounds on the victim, causing severe blood loss and cardiac arrest. The school principal stated that the altercation stemmed from discontentment with noise during lunch break. Police are investigating whether there were previous tensions between the students involved. The Education Bureau has prioritized the victim’s recovery and provided full medical assistance, as well as support to the family. Supervisors, social workers, and psychologists were dispatched to the school for assistance, and preliminary counseling has been offered to the students involved. The bureau has also called for increased attention to the affected students and enhanced campus security to ensure their physical and psychological safety.
2023/12/26 10:36
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TVBS Charity draws over 100 to spread love and support
The TVBS Charity Foundation hosted its fifth fundraising party in Fengshan, Kaohsiung, in collaboration with the Chinese Christian Relief Association (CCRA). Over a hundred participants gathered to review the spread of love in Kaohsiung and Pingtung, with the theme of "Sharing Endless Love" at the heart of the event. The party aimed to express gratitude to churches, social welfare workers, and beneficiaries for their collaboration throughout the year. Kaohsiung City Government Deputy Secretary-General Chang Chiah-sing thanked the TVBS Foundation and the city government’s Social Affairs Bureau for their continuous support, which has aided local social charities and cared for about 12,000 middle and low-income households. Pastor Wang Chung-wu of The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan shared that the "Endless Love" project helped approximately 100 households, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of brothers and sisters. President Chen Wen-ch’i of the TVBS Foundation expressed gratitude to Jesus for allowing everyone to understand the meaning of love and the essence of Christmas, while acknowledging the event’s role in expanding the power of love.
2023/12/11 21:04
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New Taipei allocates NT$17M yearly for school volunteers
The New Taipei City Education Department has been allocating an annual budget of NT$17 million to subsidize volunteer activities at schools, including the purchase of guide and protective equipment. The department also ensures the safety of school volunteers by coordinating the procurement of insurance for them every year. This response comes after concerns were raised by New Taipei City Councilor Huang Shu-chun about the discrepancy between the budget for volunteer equipment and the actual number of volunteers. Huang pointed out that the current budget provides equipment for over 5,000 volunteers, despite an estimated 32,000 volunteers on the roster. Huang also compared the benefits granted to school social workers with those provided for police civil defense, neighborhood chiefs, and patrol teams. While school social workers receive an average of NT$495, the others receive a volunteer reward of NT$3,840. Huang emphasized the need to review and improve the system in order to address concerns about a potential reduction in volunteers and difficulties in recruitment and retention.
2023/11/22 17:06
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Ministry of Labor to introduce Indian migrant workers
Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor (MOL) plans to introduce Indian migrant workers to address labor shortages. The initiative will adhere to domestic regulations and is not an immediate importation of 100,000 workers. The MOL will negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on labor service cooperation with India to ensure quality workers without disrupting social stability. Several countries have had positive experiences importing Indian labor, and currently, around 2,700 Indian laborers work in Taiwan. Taiwan’s economic and trade relationships with India are strong, making labor cooperation a priority. After signing the MOU, discussions on industrial quotas will occur. The MOL will rigorously assess qualification criteria such as language skills, professional abilities, educational background, and good behavior. The aim is for the introduction of migrant workers to contribute positively to Taiwan’s economic and societal development.
2023/11/19 16:37
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Labor minister refutes rumors of 100,000 Indian workers
The Minister of Labor, Hsu Ming-chun, has denied rumors that Taiwan plans to import 100,000 Indian workers. The Ministry of Labor suspects that false information is being deliberately spread to cause panic, and has urged the public not to fall for such tactics. Taiwan is in the early stages of negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding for labor cooperation with India, which has led to speculation about a potential influx of Indian workers. Concerns have been raised on social media about India’s record of violence against women and the impact on social security in Taiwan. Hsu explained that Taiwan is exploring new foreign labor source countries due to labor shortages caused by changing demographics. Currently, Taiwan has agreements with only four countries, but India is considered a promising addition. Hsu emphasized that the MOU has not been signed yet and discussions on importing labor from India are ongoing. The Ministry of Labor will take precautions and improve communication to keep the public informed about the process.
2023/11/16 12:13