The world of Tzu Chi June 2021 (Vol.135)

2021 • 06 30 eature Refugee lends a voice to fellow refugees “I can speak more than two languages, and here I am, able to interpret for people from my country and Saudi Arabia. I am grateful as I have the opportunity to provide aid to others and I am looking forward to do better in the future.” – Fatinah (alias) I t is often said that the ones who have the least are the ones capable of giving the most. As a refugee whose journey is scarred by bumps and bruises, Fatinah knows what it is like to be in pain and yet not being able to communicate. Thanks to the generosity of NGOs, she is able to use her skills to help other refugees. Filled with a heart of gratitude, she feels she is blessed to bless others. “We have many blessings in our lives, thanks to Allah. Sometimes we tend to overlook the small things in our lives, but they are great blessings that we have received,” said the young refugee. Coming from Somalia, Fatinah grew up and received her education in Saudi Arabia. Fatinah currently lives in Malaysia with her mother and two siblings. Fluent in Somali, Arabic and English, she volunteers at the Tzu-Chi Free Clinic in Kuala Lumpur, assisting refugees of different ethnic groups to communicate with doctors. She is an indispensable figure in the free clinic. Each day, she spends her time patiently attending to fellow refugees who visit the clinic. Language is a problem for most of them, and they rely on Fatinah to communicate with the doctor. “The doctor is asking you about the scar on your stomach, what happened?” Today, Fatinah was interpreting the doctor’s question for a tall male patient. The patient visited the clinic as he had skin conditions, and the doctor noticed a scar on his stomach. After listening to the patient’s explanation, Fatinah turned to the doctor and said that it was a bullet hole scar. It was not related to his skin conditions now because it had happened many years ago. The doctor nodded and wrote a prescription for the patient, and Fatinah explained how to use the medicine. “Sometimes, the doctors ask me to interpret for patients from Arab,” said Fatinah. Helping them brings joy. Apart from being grateful for the opportunity to give, she is looking forward to advance in her personal development. Keeping fit amidst busy routine Her day starts early. At 7:50 a.m., Fatinah arrives at the clinic. She puts on her PPE gown, sterilizes her hands, puts on her mask, and is ready to start her day as a Translated by Rachel Ang