Collecting boar semen in Africa: IMAS Student Antoni Mazek as NCCU Campus Ambassador to Eswatini
At the end of August, Antoni Mazek, a student in the International Master’s Program in Asia-Pacific Studies (IMAS), participated in a field trip to Eswatini. This trip was part of a joint project between the International Development and Cooperation Fund (ICDF) and the College of Social Sciences (CSS) at National Chengchi University, aiming to deepen understanding of Taiwan’s cooperation with its diplomatic partners in Africa. During the visit, Antoni had the opportunity to observe and engage in various ICDF-initiated projects, gaining comprehensive knowledge of the significance of supporting local communities.
On the first day, Antoni attended a session of the National Labor Market Skills project, honored by the presence of Eswatini’s Minister of Labor and Social Security, Mr. Phila Buthelezi. Antoni was pleasantly surprised by the informal and engaging atmosphere, where participants, including the Minister, actively contributed to discussions and light-hearted exchanges. Later, he joined the Taiwanese Ambassador to Eswatini, Jeremy H. S. Liang (梁洪昇), for lunch and a tour of the local Taiwanese embassy. This visit was a unique experience, as Antoni humorously noted that he might be the first Polish person to visit the establishment.
The second day of the trip focused on public health issues in Eswatini. With HIV/AIDS rates gradually improving, there is now a growing emphasis on addressing chronic diseases within the population. One of the current goals of the ICDF is to promote healthier lifestyles and prevent the spread of such illnesses. To encourage local residents to participate in free health screenings for obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, Antoni wore traditional Swazi attire. He also visited a local hospital, where he toured the facilities and spoke with healthcare professionals about the challenges they face. For Antoni, this experience underscored the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure and education in Eswatini.
The next day began with an early visit to a small strawberry farm, where Antoni assisted in harvesting fresh berries. The local farmer, who has collaborated with ICDF technicians for many years, shared that his income had significantly increased since joining the project. After the harvest, Antoni helped pack the strawberries and deliver them to a local supermarket.
The day spent at the pig farm presented the most challenges for Antoni, requiring him to step entirely out of his comfort zone. The pig farming project, a vital part of Eswatini’s agricultural economy, seeks to provide sustainable income for farmers while addressing food security concerns. In the morning, Antoni assisted with weighing and vaccinating piglets and learned about innovative practices, such as artificial insemination, aimed at improving production quality. He also participated in an ultrasound scan of the pigs and assisted with semen collection and insemination—a task that was both unexpected and demanding.
Accompanying Antoni on this trip was Professor Philip Hsiaopong Liu, CSS Associate Dean for International Affairs and the Director of IMAS. Professor Liu expressed his satisfaction that Antoni stood out among many competitors to participate in this first collaboration between the CSS and ICDF in Eswatini, Africa. With numerous other international projects under ICDF’s purview, Professor Liu is optimistic that IMAS students will continue to have opportunities to visit various countries and gain insights into Taiwan’s contributions to the global community.
