The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.114).

2019 • 09 18 eature Academic setbacks have taken a discouraging toll on the students. Their self- esteemhas also taken a hit from the psychological impact of a dysfunctional family, impeding their social sensibilities and causing them to isolate themselves. Therefore, the volunteers have engaged the students in handicraft sessions and interactive activities in a bid to encourage socialization and restore their confidence. For instance, the students were involved in preparing red envelopes of wisdom and blessings under Vee Hong’s guidance. They worked together with a team of community volunteers to affix rice grains onto the red envelopes, which were to be distributed to the public during the Year- end Blessing Ceremony as a symbol of Master Cheng Yen’s blessings for the coming year. The students have shown gradual improvement in their studies and personal conduct, along with heightened confidence in their grasp of various subjects at school and a greater sense of self-discipline. The tutors and volunteers also strive to impart positive values and fundamental life principles in an effort to rectify misbehaving tendencies and offer glimpses of family life. The tutors and volunteers lead by example through their fervent dedication and genuine conviction in their work, spurring the students to emulate their admirable qualities and persevere in reaching the light at the end of the tunnel. Mallika opined that a stable team of tutors offers the students a sense of security and improves attendance as the latter are more comfortable opening up about their personal troubles to adult figures they are familiar with. She has built a close rapport with the students over time, caring for them as if they were her own children. It comforts her to see them faring well, as much as it upsets her to see them struggle in life. Mallika’s concern for her students extends beyond the classroom. She would visit the students’ homes with the volunteers to better understand their family background and living conditions, adopting a compassionate approach to teaching that takes into consideration the students’ circumstances. Throughout Mallika’s years of service as a volunteer tutor, she is most delighted when alumni of the tuition programme treat her like family, catching up with her through frequent phone calls besides seeking her advice on further studies options. She enjoys the camaraderie she shares with her students, one of the perks of the job that has strengthened her resolve to continue volunteering with the tuition programme. Going the extra mile Uplifting moments aside, Mallika has had her fair share of encounters with the less fortunate – among them Kavittha and her younger brother. Kavittha came from a complicated home and is due to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations this year. She lives with her father, grandmother and four siblings. Her parents had divorced on unpleasant terms, risking her younger brother’s chances of enrolling in school as he lacked a birth certificate. Mee Hoe sympathized with the siblings’ ordeal and stepped up to mediate between Kavittha’s parents through various means, attempting to persuade them to cast aside their personal grudges and spare a thought for their children’s future. “Mee Hoe gave us hope through his tireless efforts to secure a birth certificate for Kavittha’s brother. He made numerous trips to the Klang