President Ma Ying-jeou on the afternoon of June 27 at the Presidential Office met with World Vision International President Dr. Dean Hirsch. In addition to welcoming Dr. Hirsch to Taiwan on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), President Ma said he expects World Vision International will continue to do its utmost to assist in improving the lives of impoverished children in every corner of the globe.
President Ma said he has for over 10 years participated in a World Vision program that allows him to sponsor underprivileged children. He added that he is delighted to have the opportunity to meet with the head of World Vision International at the Presidential Office. President Ma said that about nine years ago he began sponsoring a girl from Swaziland, Nelisiwe Maphalala. Upon learning that he had been elected president, the girl began praying for him. The president said that he was very moved by the girl's actions. Presently, the girl is in her third year of senior high school. In order to assist her in completing her education, the president said he plans to continue to provide financial assistance to her so that she can attend and graduate from a university.
The president said that the ROC spares no effort in participating in international charitable activities. He mentioned in particular the work and accomplishments of World Vision Taiwan Chairperson Huang Tai-fen, adding that the program sponsoring underprivileged children is one of Taiwan's most visible international philanthropic activities. President Ma also pointed out that Taiwan has a number of groups that are involved in international assistance work. For instance, he said, the Tzu Chi Foundation is active in disaster relief work and its achievements in this regard have been recognized throughout the world. The president stressed that the work carried out by these groups has helped to foster a positive image for Taiwan in the international circle beyond what is already recognized, such as the nation's high level of economic development and rapid advancements in computer technology. Taiwan is proud of its accomplishments in international humanitarian assistance, he said.
Lastly, President Ma thanked World Vision International for helping to open a window of friendship, enabling Taiwan to have many opportunities to interact with other countries by providing charitable assistance. The president said he hopes World Vision will continue to be successful in its work, enabling even more underprivileged children to have the opportunity to obtain financial assistance to help them in their lives and education.
Dr. Hirsch expressed his admiration for President Ma for sponsoring a number of underprivileged children and spreading his compassion throughout the corners of the world. He said that if politicians from other countries would also emphasize sponsoring underprivileged children from undeveloped countries, he is confident that these children would not only see improved lives, but also the world would become a better place.
Dr. Hirsch was accompanied to the Presidential Office in the afternoon by World Vision Taiwan Chairperson Huang Tai-fen to meet with President Ma.