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

06 2024 • 09 Unyielding in adversity By Eugein Chai “No matter how difficult life gets, I will not let Saidah and Amir drop out of school. I don’t want them to be illiterate like me. Without knowledge, how can they find a job?” — Motuluson N ur Saidah, a student at the Tzu-Chi Unity ALC, came to Malaysia with her mother, fleeing the turmoil in her homeland of Myanmar. “I vaguely remember some things about Myanmar. I was only three years old when we came by boat; it was a very hard journey for us,” she recalled. For many years in Malaysia, Saidah did not have the opportunity to attend school. It was not until 2022, after the COVID-19 pandemic, that she was finally enrolled in the ALC she had long dreamed of. She explained, “I was already 11 years old at the time. I was excited to study there as I heard that the students were excellent and could speak English and Malay fluently. If I could master these languages, it would greatly benefit my life and future.” Trusting that knowledge could transform her family’s life, Saidah was particularly diligent in her studies. Through hard work and perseverance, she mastered basic English and Malay within just two years. Her English skills, in particular, improved significantly; she could read and write, and even understand simple letters in English now. Saidah’s family situation, like that of many refugees, is very challenging. The family of four lives near the ALC to facilitate Saidah and her brother Amir Huson’s schooling. The rent, tuition fees, and living expenses of the entire family hinge on the meagre income of her father, Motuluson. Formerly a garbage truck attendant, her father lost his job due to a change in supervisor and has been unemployed for nearly half a year, leaving the family almost entirely dependent on friends’ support. “In Malaysia, our job opportunities are very limited. I can only find odd jobs. But no matter how difficult life gets, I won’t let Saidah and Amir drop out of school. I don’t want them to be illiterate like me. Without knowledge, how can they find a job?” Motuluson said, recounting the challenges he faced and his commitment to his children’s education. Gritting her teeth and moving forward Compounding the burden, Saidah’s mother suffered a brain injury in a car accident seven years ago. Due to financial constraints, she did not receive timely treatment, leaving her in a permanently weakened state. As a result, Saidah became the family’s caregiver, managing all the affairs related to her ailing mother and taking on household responsibilities. Saidah not only takes care of her younger brother but also handles the daily housework and cooks for her family. Poor the family may be, she maintains a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene. The pots and pans in the kitchen are neatly arranged, and the house is kept spotless, showcasing this young girl’s positive attitude towards life. Saidah’s performance at the ALC has also impressed her teachers. In the eyes of her homeroom teacher, Kaartiga, she is not only a smart and diligent student but also a strong and sensible child. “Saidah has achieved As in most