2017 Chicago Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) organization which focuses on overseas services, culture, leadership, and heritage, finished its two-day training program at the Culture Center of TECO in Chicago. Students from the program showcased their talent at the closing ceremony on June 25.

Two of the trainees, Jamie Dean & Samantha Lee acted as MCs of the ceremony, and introduced a variety of performances, including a group singing of “I Believe”, diabolo, dragon & lion dance, dancing, and puppet shows. The performances created a warm group spirit and lifted the atmosphere of the ceremony.

FASCA was founded by Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and its headquarters, the Culture Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago started the FASCA training program seven years ago. This year, Taiwanese Americans aged from 13 to 18 years old were recruited for two days of activities, classes, and teamwork to enhance their skills and to achieve goals in four fields: (1) Service, (2) Culture, (3) Leadership, and (4) Heritage. The workshop is designed to help participants to polish their skills and prepare them to serve the Taiwanese community in the Midwest.

The TECO Culture Center in Chicago co-sponsors a similar event every year by providing resources and facilities, to cultivate future FASCA members. This year the Center provided an on-site kitchen for the participants to make their own meals and desserts. The participants were all accommodated in a large auditorium where they slept and worked together to establish teamwork.

David Dong, the Interim Director of the Education Division at TECO in Chicago, spoke on behalf of Director General Ho and congratulated everyone on their successful training. He also encouraged the students to become Youth Ambassadors and make use of what they gained from the program. This year’s entire program was designed and organized by Dr. Hu Ling-Ling, the chief leader, and senior FASCA tutor. She thanked all the sponsors and teachers who helped to improve the workshop and thanked all the parents and family members who supported the young people and encouraged them to participate in each of the activities.

Picture:Group performance