The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.114).

21 TZU CHI 114 family background is no hurdle to one’s dreams, if one adopts a positive outlook and faces challenges with courage. The tuition programme has not only benefitted Arun in terms of academic progress, but also contributed to building character, honing communication skills and cultivating a heart of gratitude. Moreover, Arun is entrusted with translating for the volunteers as he is conversant in basicMandarin – a task he is only too pleased to accept despite his limited proficiency in Chinese. “The volunteers also brought us to a welfare home for the disabled. I sympathized with the children at the home as some of them had lost their limbs, while others are deaf and mute. We’re blessed to have functioning hands and feet, as well as the opportunity to study and the ability to speak. Our tutors urged us to help others and perform kind deeds with our able hands,” recalled Arun of an outing for the students of the tuition programme to Taman Sinar Harapan, a home for the disabled in Kuala Kubu Bharu, in July 2018. The eye-opening experience left a profound impact on the students, including Arun. He related his experience at the home for the disabled to his mother, who encouraged him to participate in Tzu Chi’s upcoming activities as a gesture of gratitude to Tzu Chi for their assistance. Arun is not one to make empty promises. He kept hisword andmade frequent appearances at various Tzu Chi events, including the Buddha Bathing Ceremony, Deepavali distribution event, a lyrical sign language performance at the Year-end Blessing Ceremony and recycling sessions. Thanks to his parents’ support, Arun is free to participate in extracurricular activities steeped in Tzu Chi’s values of selfless service and compassion. Arun’s heartfelt message: I’m thankful to Tzu Chi volunteers for taking us on field trips to broaden our horizons, and to the tutors for helping me improve my English. I’m also grateful to Tzu Chi for reaching out to us. [Photograph by Tai Fuey Tat] Our Classroom, Our Second Home, Our Sanctuary