New Book 'Walking Against the Light' Launched: Hou You-ih Encourages Social Workers to Uphold Their Original Mission and Extend Love

On the 23rd, New Taipei City's Social Affairs Bureau hosted the launch event for the new book titled 'Walking Against the Light—Chronicles of 17 Senior Social Workers,' inviting 17 seasoned social workers who have long served in fields such as child and youth welfare, women's rights, disability support, elderly care, homelessness, and mental health services. They shared their life stories and experiences accumulated over years of frontline service.

Mayor Hou You-ih emphasized that social workers have long stood on the front lines, accompanying individuals through life's most difficult challenges. With professionalism and perseverance, they help families rediscover strength and resilience. He described their quiet, dedicated efforts as one of New Taipei City's most precious assets.

Hou stated that social work goes beyond solving immediate problems—it involves walking alongside clients to help them rediscover hope and light in their lives. Drawing from his own experience as a police officer, he shared that every plea for help carries a deeper human story. He affirmed that social workers, alongside police, educators, and medical professionals, are essential partners in safeguarding the public.

'Walking Against the Light' compiles the practical experiences of 17 social workers, each chapter a testament to years of dedicated service. The book aims to highlight the professional value of social work and inspire more individuals to join this vital field.

Mayor Hou expressed deep gratitude to all social workers for their enduring commitment and to their families for their unwavering support, which enables these frontline helpers to remain steadfast. He acknowledged that the path of helping others is not easy—social workers often bear emotional stress and heavy responsibilities—yet they choose to stand by those in need. He commended their original mission and encouraged them to believe in their worth, emphasizing that true value lies not in titles, but in the positive change and contributions one brings to others.

The Social Affairs Bureau explained that the publication of 'Walking Against the Light' aims to pass on the accumulated expertise and spirit of veteran social workers to future generations, fostering broader public understanding of the diverse roles in social work. New Taipei City will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with social workers, uniting every act of care and companionship into a collective force for urban progress, building a city where love is present everywhere.