The world of Tzu Chi December 2024 (Vol.152)

2024 • 12 06 horizons. She sensed the girl’s loneliness while caring for her family, and was surprised to learn that the girl’s parents had never taken her to a park. Hence, she began inviting her to participate in recycling activities and the “Master Cheng Yen Tells Stories” online book club, with the hope of bridging her contact with the outside world. With encouragement, Chee Ching took on the host role for the online book club, sharing wholesome stories with her peers. The monthly Tzu Chi Recycling Day has also become a cherished activity for her and her mother. “Participating in recycling makes me happy and grounded,” Chee Ching shared with a smile, adding that her motivation grew with her involvement. Reflecting on these experiences, Chee Ching realised that she had inadvertently built up her confidence for public speaking, and learned that there is no mountain too high and no challenge too difficult to overcome, if one just does it. Her first “i·didik” English tutor, Ewe Soo Yeong, shared that despite having achieved excellent grades, the girl still felt lost, contemplating to start working instead of furthering her studies, whilst considering her Through “i·didik”, Ngai Chee Ching (left) not only received academic support but also the care and warmth of the volunteers. [Photo by Kong Siew Yen] family's financial situation. After Soo Yeong analysed her current situation and future possibilities, Chee Ching finally had a clear direction and decided to continue with her studies. Soo Yeong expressed with a gratified smile, “I look forward to seeing Chee Ching put on her mortarboard and graduate from university…” The light at the end of the tunnel Another child whose life was transformed by “i·didik” is 12-year-old Ang Lok Xin. Behind her tall physique and shy smile lies a story closely tied to her family background. Lok Xin’s mother suffered from depression even before she was born. Her grandmother has been her primary caretaker and the family’s breadwinner. For many years, when her grandmother was away at work, Lok Xin would be left home with her elder brother, who would bully her like locking her out. Additionally, her mother tended to speak negatively. Raised in such an environment ripped away at Lok Xin’s happiness and caused her to be reserved. In 2021, when Lok Xin’s grandmother needed a pacemaker replacement and turned to Tzu Chi for help again, the volunteers stepped in to assist, and continued to care for the family after her recovery. Their continued support led to Lok Xin’s enrolment in the “i·didik” programme, which proved to be a life-changing opportunity. Initially shy, unconfident and quiet, Lok Xin slowly blossomed in the nurturing environment of “i·didik”. Thanks to her self- discipline and perfect attendance, she was later appointed as the class monitor, responsible for maintaining discipline in the virtual classroom. With her tutors’ patient guidance, her grades in Mathematics and English progressed significantly. She shared, “The teachers kept