The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.114).

2019 • 09 12 eature Labour of love I n June 2014, the tuition programme welcomed its inaugural batch of 24 students, most of whom were of Indian ethnicity. The team of nine volunteers steering this project encountered their first stumbling block when faced with the challenge of dealing with varying learning capacities and levels of progress among the students, a conundrum compounded by the language barrier that hindered effective communication. “In order for the tuition programme to achieve its fullest potential by enhancing the students’ interest in learning and raising their confidence in their own abilities, we have made significant adjustments, especially in terms of the teaching staff. After due consideration, the volunteer team has decided to address the need for tutors of Indian ethnicity,” noted Quee Wah. In early 2015, the volunteers managed to rope in a team of current and retired teachers of Indian ethnicity to provide free tuition through the recommendation of volunteer Lim Sok Hoon. “We’re finally able to heave a sigh of relief after assembling a professional team of tutors, who are particularly helpful in overcoming the language barrier. The number of students in this year’s intake has increased to 34, ranging from the primary to secondary levels. We have also managed to refine the organizational structure of our teaching staff with the addition of eight volunteers and tutors of Indian ethnicity,” added Quee Wah.