HUI-JUNG CHI
2005 HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Garden of Hope Foundation
Taiwan
For the past 13 years, former journalist Hui-Jung Chi has played a tremendous role at the forefront of social reform and child advocacy in Taiwan. Boldly addressing issues such as child prostitution, domestic violence and sexual abuse, Chi’s voice has compelled the government of Taiwan to take action. As a result, the anti child-prostitution law was passed, helping keep an estimated 13,000 children out of the sex industry since 1992.
Chi also initiated the revitalization of the Garden of Hope Foundation in 1992, transforming just one shelter into a network of counseling centers, outreach and job programs, short-term emergency shelters, long-term halfway houses and advocacy services. She oversaw the development of the Dandelion Treatment Center, where the youngest victims of sexual and domestic abuse can heal through interactive Sandplay Therapy and ultimately lead fulfilling lives. Her efforts have also resulted in the Daughters of Formosa Award and the Daughters of Formosa Study Tour, programs that empower girls to use their talents and intelligence to impact others.
Chi’s work has directly benefited the lives of 100,000 children in Taiwan and has spread to New York City where a Garden of Hope has been established. She is the recipient of the 2005 Change makers Innovation Award and the 2004 Asia Pacific NGO of the Year Award. As a result of her endeavors, the quality of life for the children of Taiwan is now a high priority in the public agenda, and children are rebuilding their lives. For more information, please visit www.goh.org.tw.