First lady Chow Mei-ching set out for ROC diplomatic allies Haiti and the Dominican Republic on a humanitarian mission Aug. 29.
Chow is making the five-day visit in her capacity as Red Cross Society of the ROC honorary president and World Vision Taiwan love ambassador.
During her stay in Haiti, the first lady is to meet orphans, give away 1,500 solar-powered light bulbs to local schools and visit a care center built by World Vision Taiwan in Port-au-Prince.
The visit to the Haitian capital, which was virtually destroyed by a magnitude-7.3 earthquake in January, will give Chow an opportunity to extend a caring hand to residents and draw attention to their dire circumstances.
Accompanied by her daughter, Lesley Ma, the first lady also plans to see firsthand how Taiwan’s rice donations are being distributed and tour an orphanage established by the ROC Red Cross.
The Dominican Republic leg of Chow’s trip includes visits to an ROC Red Cross health center and a World Vision Taiwan training center.
The first lady’s journey of care and concern will see her perform traditional Taiwan folk songs with an ocarina, before handing out an assortment of gifts, such as the flutelike instrument and books, to children in need.
Chow’s itinerary also features face time with four children in Haiti and two in the Dominican Republic who are sponsored by the presidential couple.
