Director Chen of CCF/Taiwan, Mr. & Mrs. DeJarnette of the US Christian Children's Fund, Mr. Shultz, Award Recipients, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen: Good Morning!
I am very pleased to join you here today. Since 1950, Taiwan Fund for Children and Families has provided assistance for more than 120,000 children. CCF/Taiwan is now synonymous with "home" to those children as it is the symbol of infinite kindness, care, and love. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to United States Christian Children's Fund for their long-term support for CCF/Taiwan. Because of your generous giving – a true testament to the spirit of "love without borders" -children's welfare system in Taiwan is now more complete.
The story of each "Self-Reliant Child" (Award Recipient) being recognized here today not only has made a profound impression, it has moved me deeply. Although they are young, many have already taken up the extra burden and responsibilities of managing their households and caring for their families. The inspiring stories of their struggle allow us to witness the resilience and character of these children who never gave in to hardship. They may be young, but they are the role models that even adults can learn from. The extraordinary achievements of these children above and beyond the limitations their fate has placed on them have uplifted the society and warmed the hearts of many.
Life is a journey full of challenges and setbacks. There will not be everlasting serenity nor will the nadir of life last. As long as we have enough confidence in ourselves, we can overcome all the challenges and meet the first light of dawn.
In the last half-century, CCF/Taiwan has supported the government in promoting children's welfare and providing professional assistance to teens living in poverty, abused children and their families. CCF/Taiwan - the recipient of the Sun Award of the 2003 President's Cultural Award - is the motivating force behind the government's determination to continue in this endeavor. Currently, through the CCF International, CCF/Taiwan has consolidated the charitable contributions from Taiwan's society into a stream of goodwill that has reached many impoverished third-world countries. We hope to see the children of the world grow up healthy and joyfully.
In closing, I would like to leave everyone at CCF/Taiwan with the following message: no matter how enormous the challenge or adversity may seem, we must face them with all our strength and might and courageously strive for our future. It is also my hope that Taiwan will continue to make great strides in the field of children's welfare and protection. Once again, I thank the US Christian Children's Fund and all the colleagues of CCF/Taiwan. My best wishes for every success, prosperity, health, and happiness to each one of you. Thank you.