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

45 TZU CHI 124 In 2012, Professor Cuma fled to Turkey from Syria. He was separated from his family and found himself becoming a refugee and former university professor. At the same time, he witnessed his fellow compatriots struggling to pay for medical attention, meals and rent. In 2014, he encountered a Taiwanese teaching assistant he had taught back in Syria, who introduced him to Turkey-based Tzu Chi volunteer Faisal Hu. Since then, Professor Cuma has been involved in charitable efforts to provide refugees with access to healthcare and education. He is currently the principal of the El Menahil International School, established by Tzu Chi in Istanbul, Turkey and is dedicated to mother tongue education for Syrian children. Professor Cuma was granted Turkish citizenship in early 2018. He applied for a visa for his family and was finally reunited with them. Cuma Serya Background : A Syrian national currently residing in Turkey Age : 52 years old Occupation : Principal of El Menahil International School Religion : Islam Heartfelt message: Faith and hatred cannot exist simultaneously. One who embraces love shares it with others. I hope that everyone will love and support one another in keeping with the Master’s teachings. Professor Cuma (far right) has been devoting himself to educating refugee children in fundamental knowledge and Syrian culture as the principal of El Menahil International School. [Photograph courtesy of Yu Zi-cheng]