The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.112)

TZU CHI 112 23 The final sprint K amal Hussin, a 14-year-old refugee student, was raring to go. After completing his first race, he was once again selected to represent his team in another event. At the blow of the whistle, he dashed from the starting point down the racetrack, leaving his opponents in the dust. By the end of the sports meet, he had emerged victorious in three sporting events. Unbeknownst to many, Kamal was disqualified from participating in the sports meet in the practice rounds for retaliating against Teacher Leena, a teacher from his school. But on the day before the sports meet, he had been issued a resettlement letter by the UNHCR that permitted him to migrate to the US with his older sister and nephew. Kamal was aware that his time in Malaysia was now limited, prompting him to repent his misbehaviour and plead with Teacher Leena to reverse her decision of disqualifying him as he had hoped to bring sporting glory to his school before his departure. After due discussion, the teachers decided to grant Kamal his wish, on the condition that he was only permitted to participate in a single relay race event as a reserve. Kamal’s fervent prayers for his chance to shine on the field were answered when one of the contestants was declared absent, allowing him to stand in for three sporting events. He and his team were cheered on by his fellow schoolmates as they paved their way to victory. Kamal’s parents are both deceased. He earns his own livelihood by working odd jobs after school. He has an older sister, but depending on her was not a feasible option as she is an unemployed single mother. He would only call it a day at midnight, hence he would often doze off in class. Sometimes, he would skip school altogether. As a result, his academic performance suffered. Upon learning of Kamal’s plight, Teacher Leena arranged for a visit to Kamal’s home with volunteers. She sympathized with Kamal’s predicament and started caring for him since; she would even share her lunch with him. Kamal was keen on submitting a migration application, but an improvement in exam grades was a prerequisite. Nevertheless, Teacher Leena encouraged him to submit an application and offered to tutor him at work. His persistent efforts paid off when he managed to score 80 and above in every examination subject. Furthermore, his ability to converse in English throughout an interview conducted by the UNHCR impressed the interviewer. His application was eventually approved. Now, the road ahead seems promising for Kamal. “I’m eternally grateful to Teacher Leena for caring for me like a mother figure. When I succeed someday, I’ll reach out to the needy with Tzu Chi,” he affirmed. By Tang Choon Chow Translated by Kithanjeele Kamal (tallest in foreground, in red), who won three gold medals in the sports meet, celebrates his achievements with his friends. [Photograph by Lee Siew Kuan] Sporting Fun for Refugee Students