The world of Tzu Chi April 2021 (Vol.133)

2021 • 04 12 that the number of social workers in Malaysia is less than 1,500 people, so by ratio, one social worker will serve over 8,000 people.” Ai Hua believes that a society will need social workers once it progresses to a certain extent. “In the past, people lived together in a big family and maintained close relationships with families and neighbours. However, the way of life differs nowadays. Many rural people leave for the city, start their families and live independently. Also, urbanization and modernization have resulted in the lack of interaction between neighbours. Therefore, when issues arise, governmental or welfare institutions have to step in and help.” He added, “In this world, every one of us needs food, clothing, shelter, transportation and social connections. If one is faced with problems in these aspects, one will need the assistance of social workers.” Volunteers and social workers complement each other Overcoming social issues require the collaborative efforts of both the country and its society. More so, when a social work system is not fully developed yet. Ai Hua acknowledged the role of volunteers in making up for the shortcomings in the social work system. Tzu Chi Foundation, which originated from Taiwan, has developed a strong profile in Malaysia as an efficient charity organization that extends aid in all corners of society.Ai Hua cited the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines MH370 as an example, and commented that Tzu Chi had played a crucial role in this incident by bridging the communication between the government and families of the Chinese passengers. While there were not many Chinese DSW personnel, Tzu Chi volunteers, who were mostly Chinese, filled the gap and provided great comfort to the passengers’ families, who shared the same language and faith. They had supplemented the Government and relevant units in providing succour to the distressed families. Even after all these years, the image of Tzu Chi volunteers in blue and white is still imprinted deep in Ai Hua’s mind. “Tzu Chi is a Buddhist organization but it transcends race and religion. It has built a positive image where aid recipients do not need to worry about the differences in religion at all. I truly admire Master Cheng Yen’s wisdom!” As it turned out, Ai Hua’s mother is a Tzu Chi Commissioner. So, he knows more about Tzu Chi than what he read in the papers. He is amazed by Tzu Chi’s cash-for-work* relief approach. He remarked, “The concept of cash-for-work is very similar to that of social work, in the sense that they show respect, and care for the dignity of the aid recipients. This is really great! Moreover, Tzu Chi’s cash-for- work approach is not about telling the victims to do work, but enlighten them that they could rebuild their homes with their own efforts. While helping themselves, they also help their neighbours. This fully embodies the spirit and principle of good neighbourliness.” In the western world, the development of social work is inseparable from religion. In the past, churches were one of the important forces in assisting the poor. Today, social work does not necessarily have religious ties, and its assistance rendered is not bound by a certain religion. This is in accord with Tzu Chi’s philosophy of helping others regardless of religion. In addition to major international events, Tzu Chi volunteers have never stopped eature