About 10,000 disabled citizens have been registered in Beitun District, the highest number among the administrative districts in Taichung. Hence, the Taichung City Social Affairs Bureau, received subsidies from the Central Government to speed up the provision of community services for the disabled. Today, on the 4th, "Leqing," the first shelter workshop in Beitun opened for classes of operating skills from Monday to Friday to incorporate with courses of independent life and cultural and recreational activities with the capacity to accommodate 20 disabled learners in Beitun and the surrounding areas for them to participate in community life.
Peng Hui-Zhen, Director of Social Affairs Bureau, pointed out that located in Beitun, the "Leqing" shelter workshop, affordable residential units were completed in 1995 for mainly the financially disadvantaged but in 2007, seven units were left unsold. The Bureau received subsidies from the Central Government and planned the space for the provision of home services for the disabled.
The executive organization, Eden Social Welfare Foundation, said the "Leqing" Shelter Factory offers operating skills learning and cultural and recreational activities to help the disabled to live independently, express themselves and develop their abilities of interpersonal interaction. When participating in community activities, the disabled enriched their experiences and become a part of their community. Appreciations also goes to the Rotary Club of Tokai, Zhen Yu Hardware and MJ Construction for their charity donation efforts of facilities and equipment that provide a better space for the disabled.
According to the Bureau, social inclusion is the important spirit of the "Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities" (CRPD) as well as the priority item for the Taichung City Government to promote welfare for the disabled. In addition to the newly established "Leqing," other 25 shelter factories in Shalu, Xitun, North District, and Wuqi were planned to be built this year. By that time, Taichung will have 25 shelter factories to continuously build Taichung as a friendly city for the disabled.
Leqing Shelter Factor at 1F, #49-7, Section 1, Dongshan Rd., Beitun District was entrusted to be operated by the Eden Social Welfare Foundation of the Social Affairs Bureau. Service hours are from 8:00 to 14:30 between Monday and Friday. The monthly fee of NT$3,000 is collected for operating materials and goods in need (plus lunch fee). Those in need please call Social Worker Wang of Eden Social Welfare Foundation at 04-24351097.
In today's opening ceremony, students of the shelter factory performed poetry recitation and demonstrated the process of soap making. Handwashing was promoted to prevent the pandemic. Wishful words were written to pray for the smooth operations of "Leqing" during the celebration of the new year. Attendees included Councilman Shen You-Lien and Legislator Chuang Chin-Cheng and representatives from the offices of Councilmen Tseng Chao-Jung, Huang Chien-Hou, Hsieh Ming-Yuan, and Chen Cheng-Tian (2/4*8)* The Social Affairs Bureau