The world of Tzu Chi September 2024 (Vol.151)

17 TZU CHI 151 vent Discovering Love via Excursions “My children have been eagerly anticipating this outing since the start of the month, saying, ‘I wish it would come sooner…’,” shared a father about his children’s excitement. C hok Min Ong, who works in sales, rarely gets a chance to spend time with his children due to his demanding job and limited off days—he only goes on leave twice annually. This year, he reserved one of those days for the parent-child outing organised by Tzu Chi Malacca for its care recipients. His younger son, Chok Chun Han, was so excited that he kept reminding his father about the event. Curious, Min Ong asked, “What are you looking forward to?” His sons simply replied, “Because we can go out and explore!” To their surprise, the outing led them to places beyond their expectations. Min Ong’s elder son, Chok Chong Kim, was very affected by the actions of a prison warden demonstrating the act of flogging on a mannequin, while his younger son was saddened by the sight of orphans at a welfare home, wondering, “Why would parents abandon their offspring?” Heightened vigilance against crimes On June 30, 2024, a group of 80 Tzu Chi care recipients and their families, accompanied by Tzu Chi Malacca social workers and volunteers, embarked on an outing that nourished their hearts and souls. Divided into three groups, each group experienced varied activities throughout the day. Twenty-five secondary school students formed the “Freedom Exploration Team” and visited the Malaysia Prison Museum in Malacca. Guided through long corridors, they saw the bath area, temporary detention cells, By Law Ai Lian & Low Siew Lian Translated by Lee You Zhuan Photo by Ng Siew Peng