Education Emancipation Organization : Taiwan’s schools ban GM foods

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Taiwan’s schools ban GM foods

ACCEPTABLE INCREASE:Parents were invited to choose between a minor cost increase or a change of menu to conform to new legislation on children’s school lunches

Staff writer, with CNA

Cities and counties showed mixed reactions after amendments to the School Health Act (學校衛生法) passed by the legislature last month that ban the use of genetically modified (GM) food ingredients or processed food with such ingredients in school meals.

The ban is to be implemented next month at the earliest.

The Ministry of Education has estimated the cost of each meal is likely to increase by between NT$2 and NT$5. The New Taipei City Education Department said that it gave parents questionnaires to choose from various options.

The questionnaires showed that parents at 245 schools chose not adjust the meal fees, while 33 schools decided to adjust the fee by between NT$2 and NT$5 and 19 schools decided to cut the number of days fruit would be provided.

Huang Ching-yi (黃靜怡) deputy director of New Taipei City’s Department of Education, said before the amendment 144 New Taipei City schools had already banned the use of genetically modified food, so the impact is expected to be minor.

The government has allowed parents at schools to make their own choices and many decided that an increase of between NT$2 and NT$5 was acceptable.

The Taoyuan Department of Education said the financial situation of the city is the best among the six municipalities, and it is to foot the bill for the NT$5 increase to use non-genetically modified ingredients in school meals. It is estimated that the city is likely to increase its budget by more than NT$40 million (US$1.2 million) to cover the cost of the subsidies.

Miaoli County Department of Education said that most schools have adopted the approach of cutting the number of days they provide fruit from two days to one day per week.

The department said that although the number of days fruit is being provided has been cut, it will continue to ensure students have a healthy and balanced diet under the guidance of nutritionists.

Chiayi County Department of Education said that finances are strained and it is hoping that the central government can pay the additional cost of using non-GM food ingredients. The department said that soybean products are a common ingredient in school meals, and the ban would have a great impact.

The department said it is likely to increase inspections to ensure that manufacturers provide certifications to verify products are not from genetically modified sources.

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Menu of Teachers' Union Activities

Teachers' Union chapters need to be more actively democratic and responsive to its members needs. It is important to achieve this by creating sub-committees that would address areas of interest to members and get many members involved. Each sub- committee would be comprised of teacher and para-professional volunteers and facilitated by an elected committee member. Sub-committee membership is the vehicle for any interested teacher or para-professional who would like to become more active in social or political issues affecting the teachers' union chapter,improve the flow of information to  members, and make improvements to  work

environment.

MENU OF UNION ACTIVITIES Listed below is each objective and a proposal for sub-committees that would be created to realize that objective. Maybe you have an idea for another sub-committee? Remember, the form and direction of each sub-committee takes shape through you.

OBJECTIVE -ACTIVITY “To cooperate to the fullest extent with the labor movement

and to work for a progressive labor philosophy to awaken in

all members a labor consciousness and sense of solidarity

with labor.”

1. Union Solidarity Committee: Discuss labor issues with

possible petition drives. Update and advise colleagues on

contract issues. Contact and keep up with labor issues in

other schools in the area and worldwide..

****************************************************************

“To protect the schools against unsound economy and against efforts at domination by political, economic, religious, or military group.”

2. Sweat-free School Committee: Help your school join the

movement against sweatshops by identifying violators and

using union-made items at school.

3. Tolerance Committee: Discuss and recommend ways for

helping students get along better and helping teachers

understand cultural diversity. Work with clubs and the

student organization to promote cross-cultural sensitivity.

**************************************************************

“To promote education as a social agency for developing

the capacities of the young, for enlightened adults, and for

working toward a society motivated by the ideal of service and democratic participation.”

4. Teachers’ Resource Committee: Organize and expand

the teachers’ library resources such as videos, text,

classroom activity manuals, and member services brochures.

This includes the maintenance of office equipment, such as

the copy machine, computer, printer, and television. ****************************************************************

“To make members aware of their political responsibilities.”

5. Bulletin Committee: Update, decorate, and maintain the

union message boards. Monitor and maintain our list-serve.

Consider creating a chapter newsletter.

****************************************************************

“To advance the economic and professional interests of

members.”

6. Financial Advisory Committee: Act as an adviser to both

new and old colleagues with their financial questions on 401K, tax deferred annuity, DA, pension, and payroll.

7. In-Service Training Committee: Act as an advisor assisting

colleagues on licensing requirements, degree fulfillment, as

well as available classes for professional development, and

credits toward salary steps. Have information on sabbaticals. *****************************************************************

“To establish the active participation of education employees

in the formulation of educational policies.”

8. Education Committee: Discuss trends in education,

standardized testing, and effective teaching methodologies.

Create and develop a bank of useful teaching methodologies,

materials and plans. Assist colleagues *****************************************************************

“To work for democratic administration and supervision.”

9. Union-Administration Consultation Committee: Form an

agenda from sub-committee suggestions and prepare for

consultation meetings with the principal as required of elected Committee members. Report to the rank and file.

10. School General Assembly Committee: Attend, present our

petitions, and report on G.A. Required of Committee Delegates. ******************************************************************

“To protect members whenever necessary.”

11. Safety Committee: Advise colleagues on strategies for

classroom management and violence prevention. Instruct on

the procedures established for dealing with disruptive students.

12. New Teacher Support Group: Help new teachers maneuver in your school and give advise on clerical matters. how to survive an observation, and how to file grievance reports. Review mentoring candidates and help with selection.

13. Health Committee: Advise on insurance plans and make

available listings of doctors, dentists, and labs. Make available

 information of stress management. Work toward making your

school a safer school. Meet with cafeteria personnel to discuss and develop healthier lunch menus.

*****************************************************************

I believe each sub-committee can work toward creating a new

union environment in our schools, one of action, inclusion, and service. Each person can contribute to their area of expertise. In these days of union entrenchment, we must be more active to protect the gains you have made and make sure we’re fairly represented.

Education Emancipation Organization

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Taiwan’s schools ban GM foods

Taiwan’s schools ban GM foods

ACCEPTABLE INCREASE:Parents were invited to choose between a minor cost increase or a change of menu to conform to new legislation on children’s school lunches

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