The world of Tzu Chi July 2020 (Vol.124)

TZU CHI 124 37 deprivation, the children were hesitant to claim the sweets and bread offered by the volunteers. In the end, the volunteers handed the goodies directly to the children, who finally accepted them timidly. Murpi bin Mahadir has been earning a meagre income from collecting and trading scraps for over a year. “I forage for meals from the landfill. I’d search for food from the swamps if I couldn’t find any kitchen scraps. I’ll only be having rice after receiving supplies from Tzu Chi today. Naturally, rice is better for health.” Rajita, whose parents had divorced, has spent her childhood in the village near the landfill. The 15-year-old currently resides in a tent in the village with two of her relatives and is cared for by an aunt living nearby. Rajita and her aunt gather discarded bottles and wooden planks from the landfill to be traded for sustenance. “The landfill is where I find a lot of resources, including my daily meals,” commented Rajita, who had never been to town. When asked about the present she yearned for the most, Rajita bowed her head in contemplation for some time before shyly revealing her wish for a mobile phone, opining that a mobile phone allows her access to an abundance of information to enrich her world. An overview of relief distribution sessions in Sabah (as of June 21, 2020) Rajita, whose parents had divorced, has spent her childhood in the landfill village under the care of her aunt. Kota Kinabalu Sandakan Keningau Lahad Datu Tawau TOTAL 89 60 20 13 3 185 1,439 2,893 348 801 290 5,771 Location No. of sessions Households benefitted Rural Communities Never Forsaken