Now we take a look at how one immigrant is dedicating himself to the disabled community in Yunlin. Ieong Chi Seng grew up in Macao and came to Taiwan to study education. He now works at a community center in Linnei Township, as a guidance counselor for disabled people. Much of his daily work is about helping disabled people develop life skills at their own pace, and supporting them to find work. He’s also deeply committed to local life, and says he hopes to stay in central Taiwan for a long time.

Step by step, Ieong Chi Seng carefully explains to his student how to assemble these hex keys in their box.

The hex keys will be sold, and Ieong also shows the student how to use the paper bags the store provides. He breaks each task down so the student can learn how to do the whole process independently.

After finishing high school in Macao, Ieong came to Taiwan to study at National Changhua University of Education’s Department of Guidance and Counseling. Then he was hired by Linnei Township, Yunlin, as a guidance counselor at a local community center. His job is to support disabled people to develop skills to live independently, and to cultivate a professional skill. He says that patience and deep listening are the most vital skills in social work.

Ieong Chi Seng
Guidance counselor and Macao immigrant
They experience some difficulties in normal working environments, because not everyone may be able to understand their needs and their unique qualities. For example, autistic people will often scream or laugh and people don’t understand them. People like us who have studied special education or have a background in education might understand how to interact with them.

Today the center is having an auction. Ieong is playing the role of auctioneer. He shows local neighbors some natural crayons made by his students, and craft products made from recycled hemp bags once used to package coffee. He’s helping local creatives build their network, and supporting people to find employment.

Ieong Chi Seng
Guidance counselor and Macao immigrant
I really want to get more local. I love staying in the center and south of Taiwan. I hope that I can take my experiences and knowledge from living abroad, and the expertise in the field that I got from university, and bring it back to Yunlin County, to support them to develop together and do their best.

Ieong has chosen to put down roots in Taiwan’s countryside and to dedicate himself to valued members of the community who might struggle to find their place. He may have come to Taiwan from overseas, but his work demonstrates a deep commitment to the vibrancy of local life.

This story was provided by the program "We Are Family"
Funded by New Immigrant Development Fund

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53
#台灣新聞 #TaiwanNews #民視新聞 #FTV新聞 #Taiwan