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Eden Social Welfare Foundation
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2018-03-14

Join Janet on Eden’s “Underprivileged Children Service Project” today!

Join Janet on Eden’s “Underprivileged Children Service Project” today!

Every child is a precious treasure to their parents! It is every parents’ wish to see and to accompany their child grow up in good health. Eden Social Welfare Foundation has been offering early-intervention programs to children aged 0-6 with developmental delays (slow flying angles) for a long time. We also hosted “Underprivileged Children Service Project” press conference on March 8th, where we invited Taiwanese-American travel program host – Janet Hsieh, as the goodwill ambassador of 2018, calling on the public to support and walk along with these children as they catch up on the path of growth and development.

 

According to a report by Social and Family Affairs Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, the number of children with developmental delays aged 0-6 being reported is increasing annually, proving the public is becoming more and more aware of the issue of child development. Admission to an early intervention program is needed once the child is assessed as having developmental delays. However, more than half of the children with developmental delays are being diagnosed between the ages of 3- 6, missing the crucial window for early intervention and therapy, according to the 2016 report.  

Deputy CEO of Eden Social Welfare Foundation, Wen-Bin Lin, pointed out that the process in terms of language, cognition and emotional development for “slow-flying angels” is a lot slower, but not easily noticed because their appearances are no different with the normal children at the same age. Based on Eden’s 24 years of experience in early-intervention services, the 1095 days of a child receiving therapy aged from 3 -6 is a long process which takes a great patience, but also brings hope for the parents.

Like every other parent in the world, Janet did not want to miss want any stage of her son’s growing and development. Knowing the needs of children with developmental delays, Janet passionately agreed to be the Eden’s goodwill ambassador. She recorded promotional videos, and took photos with slow-flying angels like Wei-Wei, sharing parenting experience with their parents. Wei-Wei’s mother recalled that they realized Wei-Wei need when they found out he couldn’t raise his head at 4 months old, but he has made a great improvement after the local council transferred Wei-Wei to Eden’s early intervention center. In the early stages, because of low muscle tone and general fatigue, Wei-Wei could only crawl and could only move with the help from pediatric wheelchairs. After three years of intervention program and therapy at Eden, he can now hold spoons, practice walking with the assistance from walkers and is gradually making his steps towards progress. 

 

During the press conference, Wei-Wei spelt the number “1095” with Janet on a puzzle and slowly walked a short distance together. This showed the progress of Wei-Wei’s development, which his mother has been anticipating for a long time. Wei-Wei’s mother shared with the audiences at the scene that, there is a lot of finger-pointing from people on the street even though Wei-Wei is only 5. The most heartbreaking comment was when a lady on the street came up to them and asked, “He is such a big kid why are you still carrying him on your back?” After hearing her story, Janet gave Wei-Wei’s mother a warm hug and said, “What a laborious process you've been through! I believe Wei-Wei’s transformation and growth is the best gift for you!” Janet then encouraged everyone not to hesitate in giving slow-flying angels support and walking along with them as they catch up on the path of growth and development.

Slow-Flying angels need the support of professional early intervention services. We strongly encourage everyone to join Eden’s “Underprivileged Children Service Project”, with a regular monthly donation of NT$300, you can help a slow-flying angel receiving early-intervention services. Your support can provide neglected children and those children who are suspected of having developmental delays, with the opportunity to catch up on the path of growth.

 

Special thanks to Joseph Winkler. our devoted 2018 intern and translation volunteer.