wfn.org | Taiwan Aborigines Theology School in Financial Straits

[Taiwan Church News <pctpress@ms1.hinet.net>]

Taiwan Church News 2650, December 15, 2002
Reported by Li Shin-ren. Translated and rewritten by David
Alexander

   In a time of economic downturn and higher than average
unemployment in Taiwan, Yushan Theological College, an agency of
the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) devoted to the education
of Aboriginal church workers faces financial difficulties.  The
deficit for the current semester is already a million Taiwan Yuan
(30,000 Euros).  College vice-president Chen Nan-chou says, "We
are extremely grateful to the finance committee of East Gate
Presbyterian Church in Taipei for extending a helping hand.  They
have made up our deficit, but this is only a stopgap measure."
   Dr. Chen noted that some of his college's students have not
been able to pay their room and board fees this semester. Tuition
payments are also in arrears.  He expects the situation to
continue, but hopes that church members nationwide will show
their concern for Aboriginal brothers' and sisters' theological
education.  He suggests that each church devote a portion of
their year end surplus to Yushan and other needy institutions.
   Apart from the student fees, Dr. Chen said that the faculty
training fund was also seriously short of funds, projected to
exceed 90,000 Euros in this academic year alone.  A deficiency in
faculty training will have long term effects on the school's
future and the quality of its graduates.
   Anyone wishing to make contributions to meet the school's
needs in these difficult times is welcome to contact Yushan
directly.

For more information: www.yushanth.org.tw

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