Lo Chao-hwa was born in Canada 21 years ago, and always considered herself half Chinese and half Canadian. But she has realized that in many ways she was out of touch with her parents' thinking. "I would not understand why they thought and acted the way they did. But then I realized that their customs were truly Chinese--and that I had lost my roots."

When Lo returned to Taiwan to take part in the Overseas Chinese Youth Language Training Program in July she not only found those roots, but also peace of mind as well. She discovered that like herself, many other participating students were grateful to have the opportunity to go back to their beginnings through a closer knowledge of their motherland.

Since the language training and study tour was started in 1966, an estimated 4,500 people have taken part. In the first year, all the participants were from the U.S. and Canada, and the tour was known as the "American-Canadian camp." In the past few years, however, overseas Chinese from Europe, Central and South America and Africa have also taken part in the program. Although all are ethnic Chinese, they have received a Western education, live a Western lifestyle and speak Western languages. To them "China" is a mysterious and far-away place.

Many overseas Chinese parents have asked the government of the Republic of China for help in bringing their children into touch with their heritage, and the government responded with the language training and study tour. Yu Chao-ping, executive secretary of the China Youth Corps, which sponsored the program, said: "We hoped that young people taking part in the program would be able to improve their Chinese language abilities, understand Chinese culture and be aware of the construction and development programs being undertaken in their mother country.

A total of 463 young people took part in this year's program, which lasted from July 1 to Aug. 15. The first three weeks were spent in study and the last three in travel around the island of Taiwan. Apart from taking part in language training, lectures on culture and trips to nearby places of interest, participants also pursued their own studies which ranged from classical Chinese music to painting and kung fu.

The organizers hoped that participants would follow up on what they learned in Taiwan once they returned home, to ensure that the program will truly bear fruit.

Language training is one of the most important aspects of the program, since most overseas Chinese taking part could not speak a word of Chinese. After three weeks of intensive study, however, most know enough to find their way around in Taiwan and even write a few characters. The main reason for their rapid progress is undoubtedly their motivation and interest in the courses.

The influence of the program is far greater than the number of students taking part would suggest. Commenting on the high education levels of the participants (most are either college graduates or undergraduates), Yu Chao-ping said: "There are at least two important points to consider. In the first place, these students represent the strength of the younger generation in the overseas Chinese community. Second, participation in the program represents the overseas community's desire to seek a better life through its younger people. We don't know if the seeds we planted this year will bear fruit, but we hope that with a little rain and sun, they may come up at any time."

The government has decided to invest US$7 million in the remodeling of the Chien Tan Activities Center where the program takes place. After this work is finished, the overseas Chinese Youth Language Training and Study Tour will be conducted in an even more comfortable learning environment.

[Picture Caption]

1) Students learning to paint Chinese style. 2) Arms right, feet left；students learn kung fu. 3) Chwo Hsien-chun demonstrates his kung fu abilities. 4) This girl can already play the cheng.

1) Here, the self-defense teacher instructs students how to defend themselves. 2) This calligraphy student is totally wrapped up in his work. 3) Flute class.

Arms right, feet left;students learn kung fu.

Chwo Hsien-chun demonstrates his kung fu abilities.

This girl can already play the cheng.

Here, the self-defense teacher instructs students how to defend themselves.

This calligraphy student is totally wrapped up in his work.

Flute class.