The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.107)

42 2019 • 02 of 300 to 400 Syrian refugee patients daily. At the El Menahil International School, the number has grown steadily since inception in 2015 and it has now reached its maximum capacity of 3,100 Syrian students. During the trip, we also went out in groups to visit some Syrian families. The commonalities are the aged being seriously ill fromorgan failures, the adults often jobless and unable to fend for the young, and children who suddenly found their role as head of family. Bright young kids who should be at school, chasing their dreams and full of curiosity and excitement are instead working long hours in textile, clothing and shoe factories to make ends meet. Heartbreaking indeed. It was in the El Menahil International School that I found hope and where my spirit was lifted. There I heard laughter, and saw happy faces and acts of appreciation and gratefulness. Most memorable was the meeting with Najwa whom I came across in one of the video clips but finally have the honour to meet in person. Najwa lost all her 11 immediate family members to the war, and both her legs in a bomb blast. She was saved by an NGO and brought to Istanbul to live and is cared for by her distant relative. Seated in the room was a young lady full of poise and wearing a smile that was calming and reassuring instead of one who has every reason to be angry, resentful, hateful and revengeful. She exudes strength and fortitude, and when asked what is her message to the world leaders, Najwa replied, “Please stop the war. Losing both my legs and enduring all the physical pain is nothing compared to the pain and agony of losing my family.” Her plea was echoed by all the children who shared their experiences with us. Many said they hope to return home to Syria one day. Then I realized the significant impact that the Tzu Chi education mission had on these children. Amission not only to educate them but to transform these young lives by planting the seeds of loving-kindness, compassion, joy and selfless giving in them. I am confident that these children would grow up as compassionate individuals demanding peace and not war, opting for harmony rather than conflict, tough but not hard. These positive traits are already evident in their willingness to donate to help the earthquake victims in Taiwan recently. It shows they have already developed the capacity and ability to care and to give. Many of them also exude inner toughness that will carry them through life’s uncertainties and challenges. There has been so much to take away from this trip in learning about myself, and from the lessons taught by those resilient Syrians who have been dealt a severe blow in life. And aptly, this was a journey of “Truth, Revelation and Realization” for me. lobal Presence Najwa, who exudes strength, poise and courage. [Photograph courtesy of Yeo Kar Peng]