Taiwan donated a total of US$500,000 to education programs supported by the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS Coalition) to help students resume formal education in northeast Syria, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nov. 19.
The donation was made during a virtual ceremony via inking an arrangement by Hsiao Bi-khim, head of Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the U.S., and Ingrid Larson, managing director of American Institute in Taiwan. Witnessing the signing were Atul Keshap, U.S. Department of State Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs principal deputy assistant secretary ambassador; Christopher Backemeyer, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs deputy assistant secretary; and David Schlaefer, acting deputy special envoy for D-ISIS Coalition.
Under the arrangement, the funds will be used to revitalize and improve access to education in the affected area, supporting initiatives like rehabilitating water, sanitation and hygiene facilities at schools, winterizing classrooms and providing remedial education to displaced children.
“TECRO’s contribution today to support the development of moderate education in northeast Syria marks a continuing commitment to our shared values, and a concrete example of how Taiwan remains a reliable partner, a role model for democratic governance, and a force for good in the world,” Keshap said during the donation ceremony.
As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is actively pursuing opportunities to participate in humanitarian assistance programs around the world, the MOFA said. The government will continue working with like-minded partners such as the U.S. to promote peace and stability throughout regions like the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, the ministry added.
Taiwan joined the 83-member D-ISIS Coalition in 2014 and has since worked to advance the alliance’s goals of countering the threat posed by ISIS and ultimately ensuring its defeat. (YCH-E)
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