Edited from an article by Sr. Therese Thong, Taiwan (Province of Northeast Asia)

This year, 2025, Taiwan will reach a significant milestone in its efforts to protect children and youth from sexual exploitation as it commemorates the 30th anniversary of the nation’s landmark legislation addressing the sexual exploitation of children and youth.

To honor this historic occasion, on August 8, the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare is hosting a commemorative event that will bring together key contributors, advocates, and organizations involved in this vital cause. Among those being celebrated is Sister Therese Thong, a trailblazer whose zealous dedication and impactful advocacy have left an enduring legacy in Taiwan’s child protection efforts.

A Legacy Built on Compassion and Advocacy

The story of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Taiwan began in 1987 when they arrived at the invitation of the Archbishop of Taipei Diocese. Motivated by the troubling realities of girls being sold into sexual exploitation, Sister Therese Thong collaborated with government officials and legal experts to address the root causes of trafficking. The sisters’ approach focused not only on rescue efforts but also on preventive measures.

Sister Therese’s work expanded quickly with the establishment of shelters for at-risk girls and women and children survivors of domestic violence and abuse. These shelters offered a safe haven for survivors and their families, providing them with critical support to rebuild their lives and reduce the risks of further exploitation.

Recognizing the importance of sustainability, the Good Shepherd Social Welfare Foundation was created under Sister Therese’s leadership. This foundation became an official entity, operating within the legal framework of Taiwan, and enabled the sisters to secure financial support from both the government and public donors.

The Importance of the 1995 Legislation

Taiwan’s legislation on the prevention of sexual exploitation of children and youth, passed in 1995, was a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. It set a precedent for addressing the social and legal gaps that left children vulnerable to exploitation. Over the past 30 years, this legislation has served as a foundation for advocacy, rehabilitation, and societal change.

Good Shepherd sisters and partners-in-mission have played a crucial role in supporting this law’s implementation, providing both resources and firsthand expertise. Their tireless work in rescuing and rehabilitating survivors, alongside efforts to educate communities and advocate for reforms, significantly strengthened the welfare system in Taiwan.

The impact has been far-reaching. What began as isolated shelters for at-risk girls has developed into a robust network of services, ranging from legal aid and counseling to educational workshops aimed at changing societal attitudes toward exploitation.

Recognizing the Contributions of Sister Therese Thong

Standing at the forefront of this movement is Sister Therese Thong. For decades, her compassion and unwavering resolve have driven major reforms and initiatives to protect Taiwan’s most vulnerable. Her efforts have been widely recognized, earning the Good Shepherd Social Welfare Foundation numerous awards, including the Presidential Culture Award in 2009 and the TECO Award in 2022.

This year’s commemorative event will honor her extraordinary contributions to child protection and human rights advocacy. Sister Therese’s legacy, built on compassion, commitment, and collaboration, serves as a powerful example of how individuals can drive systemic change.

Continuing the Mission for a Safer Future

While this celebration marks an important milestone, the work to protect children and youth from exploitation is far from over. Our sisters and partners-in-mission working at the Good Shepherd Social Welfare Foundation continue to focus on prevention, education, and advocacy. Dedicated teams invest in outreach efforts to educate communities, provide resources for at-risk families, and ensure that survivors have access to the support they need.

Today, the Good Shepherd mission transcends borders and remains deeply rooted in our founding charism and spirituality. By partnering with government officials, legal advocates, and non-governmental organizations, the foundation continues to adapt its services to meet the evolving needs of society.

Together, we can build on the foundation of compassion and advocacy laid by Sister Therese Thong and countless others, creating a future where every child is protected and empowered.

Find out more about our projects in Taiwan here: www.goodshepherd.org.tw