Led by Vincent Lin, Secretary General of the Amitofo Care Center (ACC) Africa Steering Committee and Taipei ACC CEO Vicky Liao, 31 orphans from Swaziland ACC visited the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) on November 23. They were received by OCAC Vice Minister Roy Yuan-rong Leu who strongly praised the ACC’s great ambition and compassion. He encouraged them to contribute what they have learned to society and dedicate achievements to those who helped.

Vice Minister Leu stated that, driven by a grand ambition to help the needy, Venerable Master Huili went all the way from Taiwan to Africa where he set up the ACC and has established schools in Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia and Mozambique etc. that shelter African orphans, allowing the orphans to receive an education and learn about Taiwanese culture. By doing so, Master Huili has built the bridges of friendship between Taiwan and Africa. He worked hard and gave generously without asking for reward, sending love from Taiwan around the world and letting the world see the compassion of Taiwan.

Leu mentioned that the ACC has held the "Taiwan Love Takes Flight” charity performance tour around the world in recent years, featuring traditional African song and dance, Chinese Kung Fu, Taiwan’s folk Art formations and Mandarin and Taiwanese songs, showing their gratitude to sponsors by displaying the results of learning. The performances have won the affirmation and support of overseas communities and mainstream society in many places. The results of Taiwan’s efforts to promote Chinese language and culture are well demonstrated in Africa.

Vincent Lin said that when the ACC’s Road of Gratitude performs around the world, local compatriot communities provide immediate assistance, allowing him to feel their passion and see the results of overseas community affairs work. He also thanked the OCAC for its long-term care and support, constantly providing Chinese teaching materials. 

The ACC is an International Non-Government Organization (INGO) that serves African children who have been orphaned by poverty, war, natural disaster and AIDS. The first ACC that houses more than 6000 orphans was established in Malawi in 2004 by Master Huili after an exhaustive fund-raising effort. As well as creating children’s villages, the ACC has also established Yuan Tong elementary and middle schools that provide them with a full school education and Chinese teaching.