Taiwan: Officials in Pingtung County Actively Promote Falun Gong

Falun Dafa, also called Falun Gong, was first introduced to the public in Changchun City, China, by Mr. Li Hongzhi on May 13th, 1992. Fourteen years have passed, during which time the physical, mental and spiritual health and morality of around 100 million people have been improved. However, since July 20th, 1999, Falun Dafa has been the subject of a brutal persecution by Jiang Zemin and the Chinese Communist Party. During this time, Falun Dafa has spread to nearly 80 countries worldwide. It has been embraced by many different races and cultures and has received more than 1,000 awards from various levels of government and other organisations. Around 500,000 people practise Falun Gong across the strait in Taiwan and the numbers are still climbing. The spirit of Falun Gong's "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" has spread widely due to the efforts of Falun Gong practitioners and official support from all levels. Its positive effect on society and people's morals is exemplary.

In order to help meet the goal of ensuring "A Happy Pingtung," on March 15th, 2006, Pingtung County Head Tsau Chihung issued an official Pingtung County Government Letter (No. 095004793), asking the county's Education Bureau and related departments to promote Falun Gong at all levels of the county schools. That would include eight universities and colleges, 10 high schools, 39 junior high schools, 192 elementary schools and 60 kindergartens. In May 2006, the county provided funds and subsidies to expand the Evergreen Class (a senior citizen study class) and the Minghui Falun Gong School for children. This is evidence of recognition of Falun Gong's overall effect of purifying people's hearts and improving their physical health. It has been highly approved of and supported by the government.

Pingtung County official letter requesting the Education Bureau to promote Falun Gong to all levels of schools in the county

Pingtung County is located in the southernmost corner of Taiwan. People there are very simple and pure. Pingtung County is rich in natural resources. It one of the biggest agricultural counties in Taiwan. Pingtung's practitioners introduced the wonderfulness of Falun Gong to Pingtung residents in response to the Taiwan government's "Sports Population Doubling Plan." In 2004 and 2005, they assisted the schools and the communities to realise the proposed plan to expand the Pingtung County Education Bureau's sports and exercise classes.

In 2005, the Pingtung County Education Bureau invited Falun Gong practitioners to give an annual "Community Falun Gong Exercise Exhibition" at the year's end. Around 400 practitioners, ranging in age from four or five to 70 or 80 years old, demonstrated the five sets of exercises. Guests included Mr. Tsau Chihung, who was later elected Pingtung County Head, as well as other representatives and government officials. They were impressed by the simple exercises, suitable for both young and old. They shouted along with the Falun Gong practitioners, "Falun Dafa is wonderful!"

Over 400 practitioners demonstrate the five sets of exercises	People at the demonstration learn the exercises

After Mr. Tsau was elected head of the county, he openly listened to suggestions from all directions in order to realise the goal of a "Happy Pingtung." Falun Gong practitioner Ms. He Shioue is a retired high school teacher. She used Falun Gong's principles to counsel those high school students feeling pressured as a result of school studies. She achieved very good results. She mentioned her counselling experiences to Mr. Tsau and used herself as an example. She shared how after practising Falun Gong, both her spirit and physical health improved. She recommended Falun Gong during her meeting with County Head Tsau and proposed an overall plan to promote Falun Gong in the schools and communities. This was approved and supported by County Head Tsau.

The Pingtung County government's planned promotion of "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" within the education system and community will benefit the residents county-wide. We believe that County Head Tsau's pledge to "Make a happy Pingtung, let every resident smile with joy," will soon be realised.