Kids learn new sport and much more at summer program

The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Belize’s Youth for the Future are collaborating for a special summer program at the IT-VET Campus. Participating kids from Belize City are enjoying a fusion of culture, sports and art with a touch of Taiwanese flavor. The weeklong agenda is facilitated by Taiwanese, teaching different courses. It all ends with a grand closing performance on Friday evening so News Five’s Delahnie Bain headed over to IT-VET today for a peak at what the youths are up to.

Delahnie Bain, Reporting

Seventy-seven kids and teenagers are spending this week at the IT-VET campus with youth ambassadors from Taiwan. It’s a program that is simultaneously being held in numerous countries around the world.

Jenny Wang, Associate Professor, Fu Jen Catholic University

jenny wang

“I come with six students who are called the Youth Ambassadors who come here to do the program of the youth summer camp. Last year we tried to make an experimental trip to Southern Pacific nations and it was very successful. So this year we come to about twenty-one countries.”

The participants are engaging in numerous activities designed with a cultural twist. They were also introduced to a Taiwanese sport that has especially grabbed their interest.

Jenny Wang

“Diablo is a kind of folk toy, also called our national sport for the Chinese kid, maybe they play for just under ten. So I think it is another experience. Actually from the very beginning it was made from bamboo but right now they use plastic. You will see the miracle how they perform it. They are going to dance, art and martial arts, except that we add some more Chinese culture.”

Associate Professor Jenny Wang, who led the delegation, says the kids have made their first visit to Belize worthwhile.

Jenny Wang

“It’s very nice experience since this is our first trip here and all the kids are very friendly and very cute. So they’re curious what we are going to bring. They ask what’s going on, what new games we are going to have. After five days I think we will have a performance at the farewell party. I think everyone will share what they have learned and the experience we had this week.”

After this week of activities in Belize City, the summer camp moves to Belmopan for its second week. Delahnie Bain for News Five.

During the camp, the participants will also learn popular Taiwanese words and phrases