Our Work In Taiwan
Jiwa International's primary work is in Yunlin County, Taiwan. As one of the least developed areas of Taiwan, migrant workers find themselves far from government services, transportation, and other amenities that come with being in a city. Meeting the complex needs of migrant workers in this environment requires creativity and flexibility.
Cafe Jiwa
Cafe Jiwa first opened its doors in December 2024 in Yuanchang Township. In addition to traditional coffee and tea drink options, Cafe Jiwa also serves Indonesian drinks and small food options to create a "taste of home" for the Indonesian migrant workers in the area. The cafe's 2nd floor is large enough to be rented out for special events and has even been used as a wedding venue for a migrant worker couple. We also have a Karaoke room that can be rented by the hour and a thrift store with gently used clothing for sale.
Community Events
In order to create solidarity and fun for the migrant workers, Jiwa International hosts monthly events. Sometimes these events are as simple as an Indonesian movie night and sometimes are a huge Indonesian independence day celebration.
Mobile Market
Most migrant workers in Yunlin rely on bicycles or small battery-powered scooters to get around, meaning that traveling to an Indonesian restaurant or grocery store isn't feasible. As a part of Cafe Jiwa, Jiwa staff take prepared meals, Indonesian nonperishable items, and a simplified drink menu to more isolated Indonesian communities. As we meet this felt need, we also have the ability to build community and trust. While we're working out of a car at the moment, we're excited about expanding to a full food truck next year.
Classes
Many migrant workers have said that they'd rather be in their home country, but due to high unemployment at home and lack of education they don't have much choice. Jiwa International provides English and Mandarin classes to both make communication with their bosses easier, and also to open doors to new opportunities. In the future, we hope to offer additional vocational skill classes.
In addition to these programs, we also pursue relationship building and meeting needs through home visits, exercising together, providing occasional transportation, organizing day-trips to nearby tourist locations, and more. There is lots going on and your financial gifts support makes this possible. Please consider making a donation today to keep these programs going!