At the end of January, students from the Chinese Center took part in Eden’s volunteer's program. During the volunteers’ experience, Esteban from Columbia, Bellinda from Indonesia, and Patrizio from Italy, witnessed the spirit of CRPD that has been put into practice in Eden Service Centers. With the understanding of the mission on Eden, and the participant in the discussion between the residents and workers in the service center, the volunteers broaden their horizon to grasp the better way to serve persons with disabilities.

The volunteers learned how to use wheelchairs properly.

It is vital for volunteers to make aware of Eden’s vision. Before giving care users in Yishou service center good care, the volunteers had been taught how to care others well. For example, to learn how to use wheelchairs properly, to absorb the knowledge of CRPD (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), and to be taught how to treat elderly with different disabilities well.

Three volunteers are from Italy, Indonesia, and Columbia.

During the volunteer’s period, the three volunteers had served in Eden Yishou Elderly Service Center, where complies with the equal right of all persons with disabilities to live in the community, with choices equal to others, and take appropriate measures to facilitate their full inclusion and participation in the community (CRPD Article 19: Living Independently and Being Included in the Community). What’s more, Eden not only advocated persons with disabilities to live independently and freedom of speech, but respect the rights of other residents in the Service Center (CRPD Article 21: Freedom of Expression and Opinion, and Access to Information). Bellinda, a volunteer from Indonesia, said that it reminds her study abroad life of sharing living spaces with four different living habits roommates.

The volunteers shared their hometown New Year customs with the residents.

After taking part in residents meeting in Eden Yishou Elderly Service Center, Patrizio, a volunteer from Italy, shared that he is really appreciated the way everyone can join the discussion. Take an example: one of the topics – Is it possible for residents to eat in the bedroom? There are two opinions to discuss; there is no right or wrong, but everyone can express their opinions. Whether disabled or not, everyone will encounter similar problems when living with others. The most precious thing is everyone can exercise the right to freedom of expression and opinion through all forms of communication of their choices. Besides, with great chances, three volunteers had opportunities to share unique New Year customs in their hometown with Ta-Lung Disability Rehab Service Center’s residents, which enable residents to participate in different cultural life. Though the bias of verbal communication, the volunteers still strongly felt the joyfulness from the residents’ face. The volunteers experienced the implement of CPRD Article 30 – Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport. All in all, serving in Eden Service Centers, three volunteers from different countries realized the CRPD value of leave no one behind.

Eden invites youths from all over the world to devote yourselves to those in need. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and come! Let’s make some change now, and create a friendly environment by joining Eden’s Volunteers Program. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2Sp7JvH