The world of Tzu Chi January 2020 (Vol.118)

2020 • 01 18 eature the goodwill of the volunteers evokes within me a sense of calm and peace. Although I’m on the receiving end of Tzu Chi’s aid, I’m still treated with respect,” he shared. On the final day of the 2019 academic year, Daniel returned to school with his father to collect his report card and meet his class teacher, Nurfazlin binti Mohd Kamil, who commended his helpful nature. “Daniel is a responsible and earnest student. He never hesitates to help his teachers and expects nothing in return. He eases our workload by offering to collect homework and forms from fellow students, besides maintaining class order,” she praised. Teacher Nurfazlin admires Daniel’s determination and hardworking spirit, never permitting his family’s financial circumstances to become an excuse for complacency. “Daniel would take the initiative to ask for help from his teachers to clarify any schoolwork-related queries. I understand that he has been receiving financial assistance from Tzu Chi. The volunteers are genuinely concerned about his studies,” she noted. Despite the challenges cast his way in his uphill journey to academic excellence, Daniel has never let his parents and teachers down. He achieved an outstanding result of 7A’s in the 2018 PT3 examinations and emerged top of his cohort, qualifying him for entry into the Pure Science stream. However, his grades suffered as he was unable to cope with the Sciences, compelling him to turn to the volunteers and his teachers for advice. Volunteer Teh Seng Hooi suggested that