The World Of Tzu Chi March 2024 (Vol.149)

2024 • 03 28 Persevering for love By Tan Kim Hion Translated by Lee You Zhuan “The assistance from Tzu Chi helped me achieve my dreams. I have completed my diploma programme and am now pursuing a bachelor’s degree. All these are made possible because of Tzu Chi, and I sincerely appreciate it.” – Andrina F or Andrina Devi a/p James, the words “Tzu Chi” and “Tzu Chi Study & Awards Scheme” are etched as lifelong memories in her mind, while the volunteers’ kindness and smiles have left an indelible mark on her heart. As she reflects on over a decade of growth, it is the volunteers who repeatedly extended their helping hands, enabling her to pursue her dreams without worry. Andrina was recommended by her teacher to apply for Tzu Chi Study & Awards Scheme in 2012, when she was in Primary 4. Her father, James a/l Arockiasamy, worked as a lorry attendant, with income barely enough to support the family, while her mother, Devi a/p Veran, was a homemaker. When the volunteers visited their home, they discovered that despite their financial struggles, Andrina’s parents placed great emphasis on their children’s education. Thanks to the care and dedication of the volunteers, Andrina and her three younger sisters became beneficiaries of the Tzu Chi Study & Awards Scheme for five consecutive years, greatly alleviating their parents’ burden. In 2016, Andrina and her second sister, both in secondary school, faced the challenge of insufficient funds for transportation fees. The Andrina shared with the audience the positive impact Tzu Chi volunteers have had on her life over the past decade. [Photo by Leong Chian Yee]