The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2021 (Vol.138)

Listen with your heart Each time before I dial the number, I would wish for a smooth telephone interview, so that help could reach the needy families as soon as possible. I am glad that most families have been honest and open in sharing their struggles. – Tan Swee Chang “T hanks a lot, really. Since the outbreak of Covid-19, Tzu Chi is the only one to reach out to us to help, so that we are able to go through the hardship.” Mohamad’s (pseudonym) wife was filled with gratitude when volunteer Tan Swee Chang assured her that as long as they were in need, Tzu Chi volunteers would do their best to help. For Mohamad, a 67-year-old Chinese Muslim, life was good all these years till he was hit with a stroke in March this year. He could no longer work. All of a sudden, they had nothing to depend on. He had no choice but to seek help from Tzu Chi. “Mohamad and his wife shared their problems, and from the photographs, they obviously are a loving couple. They used to enjoy a good life. Mohamad is undergoing physiotherapy, while his 55-year-old wife takes care of him,” said Swee Chang. After an assessment by the home visit team, Tzu Chi classified the case as a care- recipient family, and put it under the charge of community volunteers for care and assistance. On July 25, through the Food Care project, the volunteers arranged for aid in kind to be delivered to them at home. This was the first time they met in person. Mohamad’s wife was very happy and thanked the volunteers repeatedly, saying that “No one cares to help except Tzu Chi.” Three months later, the volunteers learnt that Mohamad was stressed out as he could not pay his rent. A further assessment of his needs was carried out, and an increase in financial aid was made. The wife felt relieved and thankful, and she prayed to Allah every day to bless those who helped them. Swee Chang was thankful that the couple was under the good care of the community volunteers. She often reminded herself the purpose of telephone interviews was to extend help, rather than to gather data. With that in mind, during the course of conversation, it was necessary to be sincere and empathetic in order to listen intensely. “Most people would not want to ask for aid if they could actually get a job to earn a living.” Reviewing the case of Mohamad who faced hardship due to illness, she lamented that Covid-19 has disrupted the whole world, especially the working class. What an unexpected situation! No one could have anticipated this crisis. Perhaps, the one constant in life is its unpredictability. Hence, the call is to help and serve while we can, and add significance to one’s life. pecial Feature Translated by Goh Hwe Yong 2021 • 12 14