The world of Tzu Chi December 2023 (Vol.148)

26 ocal News E ducation has long been a focus of Tzu Chi’s charitable efforts. The presentation of Tzu Chi study grants, subsidies for higher education admission, and laptop grants helps underprivileged students to concentrate on their studies despite challenging circumstances. During the award ceremony held at the KLTzu-Chi Jing Si Hall on November 5, 2023, circa 220 beneficiary students and parents witnessed the spirit of Great Love through a video that introduced Tzu Chi and a charity documentary. Light at the end of the tunnel Twenty-year-old Wong Men Han, who lost his father since childhood, was raised by his mother. At the age of 13, he took up part-time jobs on weekends and holidays to help lighten her mother’s financial burden. The pressures of life inevitably affected his studies, resulting in just passable grades. In Form 5, his counselling teacher, Nor Haryati binti Pawanteh, reported his situation to Tzu Chi after discovering that his school uniform was borrowed from a classmate. Since then, Tzu Chi has been providing assistance to his family. The family’s plight also caught the attention of a compassionate woman, Ms. Lee, who unconditionally sponsored Men Han’s tuition fees for a diploma programme at Kolej UNIKOP Cyberjaya. Taking the stage to receive the Academic Excellence Award, Men Han expressed, The 2023 Tzu Chi study grant, comprising the Perfect Attendance Award, Academic Excellence Award, Excellent Performance Award, and Service and Filial Piety Award, has benefitted 109 students. Additionally, 22 students were awarded subsidies for higher education admission, and 15 students received laptop grants. Tzu Chi Study Grant – Paving the Way for Dreams KL & Selangor I 05.11.2023 By the Tzu Chi Documenting Team Translated by Tan Hooi Lee Photo by Chan Tuck Meng