The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.128)

2020 • 11 10 eature performed in Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and Korea, fulfilling their dreams of going overseas, while inspiring PWDs in those countries. Although their movements are restricted, PWDs can undertake any matters if guidance is given. At Beautiful Gate, and based on their interest, PWDs can take up courses, including computer skills, bakery, arts, and gardening. Last August, Beautiful Gate cooperated with farmers in Chiang Rai, Thailand, by importing coffee beans from them while hiring specialists to teach PWDs to roast, grind and pack the coffee for sale. These not only serve to encourage PWDs to learn new skills, it also helped Beautiful Gate in achieving operational self-sufficiency. Ivy expressed that most PWDs at Beautiful Gate are physically disabled. Autistic, down syndrome and dyslexic children are a minority. Some are able to take care of themselves, while others had to learn from scratch. 80% of the staff are PWDs themselves, hence they are able to empathize and instil confidence in them. “It’s exceptionally important for us to lead by example and show them that they can do what we can do. Although those with severe disabilities need help, they can be independent in the sense that they choose the life they desire and take responsibilities for it.” At Beautiful Gate, Ivy has seen many tough people striving to live on. “There is one comrade who had only primary education, who, after coming to Beautiful Gate, enhanced his own value through learning. Now, he not only can support himself but had employed a person to take care of him. This is really a moving experience.” Ivy is also impressed with a former staff’s willpower. The staff suffered from muscular dystrophy. His sister had atrial septal defect. Their mother passed away when they were very young and their father was a cancer patient. His doctor estimated that he could only live until about 21 but he served until 23, before passing away. “We strive to live. Compared to physically sound people, our lives are very fragile. I cherish every day of my life when I see the determination of these PWDs to live on.” Ivy recalled the time when illness struck. “My doctor said if I was attended to on time, I might be able to stand again. Such a pity, right? But, if I were treated any later, I would have ended up in a vegetative state. I was rescued from the brink of death and for this, I’m deeply grateful.” Helping others has become the most meaningful thing in Ivy’s life. Her voice over the telephone was full of life. She said, “What is success? Is making a lot of money success? Actually, material things will not be able to fill our souls. To me, influencing others through my life is truly a success.” We can contribute to society When Ivy first started working at Beautiful Gate, her main role was to find jobs for PWDs. However, she found the society, in general, unreceptive to employing PWDs. “From young, it’s not easy for PWDs to receive equal treatment. Take schooling for example, students with physical and learning disabilities are usually grouped in the same class. Under such circumstances,