The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.106)

TZU CHI 106 31 continuing their efforts to do well in school and carve their paths to a promising future. Blossoming and growth of the sapling The ceremony started with a lighthearted gamewith theMalay song, “Rasa Sayang”, which brought the hearts of everyone closer together. Following that, 43 refugee students from the Unity School, which is run by Tzu Chi and UNHCR, performed a silent skit on “Global Warming & Save the World”. Through the skit, they reminded everyone of the recent climate changes, global warming and various natural disasters. Their lively performance successfully delivered a strongmessage to everyone about the importance of recycling and caring for Mother Earth. It drew loud applause and cheering from the audience as well. During the ceremony, a video entitled, “Lighting Up the Dark Areas”, was screened. It showed how stateless children in Kampung Titingan of Tawau, Sabah, struggled to obtain education. It encouraged the audience to realize how blessed they are, to cherish what they currently have and to do good deeds. These children with unknown futures touched the hearts of the audience, with some being so overwhelmed with tears. Three former beneficiary students of Tzu Chi study aid, who have demonstrated good conduct, were also invited to share their own stories and success in their studies. They are, Chin Yan Mei, Gan Yin Siang andAng Joe Yin. Yan Mei is a third year undergraduate student studying Civil Engineering. Although from a poor family, she has never bowed down to her circumstances. While being a student beneficiary of Tzu Chi Study Incentives Programme, she felt the warm accompaniment of volunteers. She said that the encouragement and strength given by the volunteers had motivated her to achieve her dream of enrolling into a university, which was something she never thought she would have the opportunity to do. She encouraged all the students by saying, “Do not be held back by the circumstances of your situation. Do your best and be brave in chasing after your dreams, and miracles will follow.” Gan Yin Siang, daughter of a Tzu Chi care recipient, also shared her story on stage. For many years, the assistance provided by Tzu Chi had inspired her desire towork hard. Through her hard work, she managed to achieve good results and even received the “Academic Progress Award”. Now, she is studying Special Needs Education in a local university. She said, “I chose to study Special Needs Education because I want to be able to help and educate my brother and sister, both of whom have special needs. I also hope to become a responsible teacher in the future so that I could educate more special needs children and ensure that they are not neglected by society.” After watching the difficulties faced by stateless students in receiving education, Yin Siang was deeply touched and felt blessed to have all that she has now. She said, “I feel very blessed. Even though my family is poor, I do not have to face such difficult environments and situations. Their spirit and desire for education is something that we should all learn from.” Another former recipient of Tzu Chi study aid, Ang Joe Yin, also reminded everyone of the importance of working hard at their studies. Not only will this improve one’s knowledge and horizons, but it is also to lay a strong foundation for the future. He shared with the audience that when he worked part-time during school holidays, he had witnessed how his supervisor, who was illiterate, had to ask around for help to read an official letter. It alerted him that only with