The world of Tzu Chi October 2020 (Vol.127)

2020 • 10 22 eature The first seed of Great Love Farm – Paulo Paulo went to every tribal community to recruit volunteers, and helped arrange work schedules, with morning shift volunteers doing weeding while the afternoon shift volunteers engaged in watering plants, allowing everyone an opportunity to contribute. Reported and photograph by Long Karmen Translated by Yew Siew Yong T he town of Metuchira in Sofala Province was one of the hardest hit towns by Cyclone Idai. More than 400 households had to move to temporary shelters 2 as their homes were destroyed. Till now, potholes on the roads remained and many victims are still living in tent shelters. While many international organizations had left Sofala, the Tzu Chi volunteers remained. The number of Tzu Chi volunteers at Metuchira has reached 1,370 today. While disasters are merciless, there is love and compassion in the world. This disaster has drawn the attention of the international community to this unknown land and has allowed the Tzu Chi volunteers of Maputo the opportunity to serve. Paulo is Tzu Chi’s first “seed” inMetuchira, Mozambique. He shared that Tzu Chi was the first charity organization to enter the village after Cyclone Idai hit. Ayear ago, he came across Tzu Chi when Telma was there recruiting volunteers. A simple-minded Paulo felt very happy after Mozambican volunteer