DILIMAN, Quezon City -- Knowing Mandarin, as one of the most widely spoken languages in the world with over a billion speaker mainly from China, Singapore and Taiwan provides the ability to communicate with a vast population across diverse regions in the globe.
As part of the Pre-Departure Orientation Course of the Filipino Young Farmers Internship Program in Taiwan (FYFIPT) Batch 5, the young farmers coming from the different regions of the Philippines engaged in a learning journey on Mandarin Language Class. This initiative provided by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) through Taiwan Education Center in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) gave opportunity for the young Filipino farmers to open up for cultural, economic, and personal growth. Their Mandarin Language class not only enhanced the interns’ communication skills but also deepened their appreciation for Taiwan's rich culture and history.
The interns underwent a one-month Mandarin Online Class last September 9 to October 4, 2024 via online from their respective regions, and a four-day face-to-face refresher course last October 28 to 31, 2024 at the ATI in Quezon City.
Mandarin Teacher Lisa Hong from the Taiwan Education Center ensured that the interns engaged in an immersive language class where they learned essential phrases, pronunciation, basic farming terms and equipment as well as everyday vocabulary. The knowledge acquired by the interns would certainly empower them to communicate confidently and effectively with the locals, their co-interns from other nation as well as with their host farmers/families, fostering friendships and professional relationships in their upcoming 11-month internship in Taiwan.
During the Closing Program last October 31, 2024, Jovanee S. Dela Cuadra spoke in behalf of ATI, mentioning the importance of Mandarin Language Class for the interns to interact more effectively and minimize misunderstanding especially between and among their host farmers. She thanked Hong for coming to the Philippines all the way from Taiwan and shared her knowledge and expertise in Mandarin Language with the 50 young farmer interns. She also applauded the interns for their effort and dedication to acquire the new language skill and encourage them to apply it their internship program.
Aside from Mandarin Language Class, the interns also underwent trainings related to agriculture and Mental Health Awareness.
