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

TZU CHI 133 13 contributing to society. Ai Hua shared that most families helped by social workers do not ask for assistance themselves. The social workers only intervene after someone reported their problems. He believes that issues should be addressed sooner before they reach their worst. “People do not seem to realize this fact: If we do not reduce these occurrences, who should be held responsible for the child who walks down the wrong path due to a broken family? From what I see, Tzu Chi is trying to help these families and children.” Ai Hua trusts that children living in poverty need education to improve their future. With some help, they will likely be self-reliant. Even if they are not able to live independently, the efforts of volunteers and social workers can at least help maintain the status quo and prevent the situation from worsening.” Strive for social workers’ welfare While social workers help the disadvantaged gain the benefits they deserve, what about their own welfare? Ai Hua is putting his best effort to help improve the status of social workers, including discussing with the Government on how to legislate and protect the rights of social workers. Although it is stipulated in the 1998 Act that counsellors must be registered, social workers are still not protected by the law. Ai Hua revealed, “My full-time job is a lecturer, but I also interact with government officials and carry out training and planning On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines MH370 disappeared. Tzu Chi volunteers were immediately mobilized to care for the passengers’ families at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. [Photo by Wong Poh Fatt] The ‘Big Dipper’ – Social Workers