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

29 TZU CHI 149 volunteers stepped in and applied for Tzu Chi Educational Sponsorship Programme, providing them with a monthly subsidy of RM150 for several years. This support allowed them to complete their secondary education smoothly. Andrina expressed deep gratitude for this assistance, which not only covered their school expenses, but also brought warmth through the volunteers’ monthly visits to their home. AsAndrina steadfastly pursued her dream ofbecominga teacher, theCOVID-19pandemic cast a shadow over her aspirations. Her father, a diabetic, lost his job. To generate income, her mother, who suffered from heart disease, used government aid to purchase ingredients and prepared nasi campur (an Indonesian rice dish) for a company nearby. However, a few months later, the company faced economic difficulties and stopped ordering meals from her. To compound matters, their neighbourhood was declared a COVID-19 hotspot, subjecting them to tightened movement control measures. Anxious and desperate, Devi made multiple distress calls. Finally, she reached a Tzu Chi volunteer, and three days later, Tzu Chi provided financial aid, allowing the family to safely navigate through the lockdown period. Hang in there After enduring two years of the pandemic, the socio-economic landscape began its recovery, and James actively sought employment. Meanwhile, Andrina’s acceptance into a teachers’ training university and the excellent academic achievements of her sisters brought a glimmer of hope to the family. But fate had other plans. In July 2022, James suffered an accident, fracturing his left foot and experiencing severe spinal pain, rendering him unable to work, and continued to accept help from Tzu Chi. Andrina, as the eldest daughter, faced a difficult decision. She proposed quitting school to work and contribute to the family’s income. However, Devi stood firm. She reminded Andrina, “Tzu Chi has supported us for so long with the hope that you can complete your education and pursue your dreams. If you abandon your studies halfway, wouldn’t you be letting the volunteers down?” Devi’s words resonated with Andrina, and she resolved to persevere, continuing her educational journey. When volunteers learned that Andrina and her second sister were struggling to meet their basic needs while studying away from home, they secured a monthly allowance of RM300 for them, allowing them to focus on their education without hunger or worry. For over a decade, Andrina’s family has weathered one challenge after another, and the volunteers have continued to light their way, holding their hands and never letting go. Andrina is grateful for the unwavering companionship and support of the volunteers since her primary school days. [Photo by Ch’ng Kooi Tick]