The world of Tzu Chi March 2021 (Vol.132)

2021 • 03 26 eature Tzu Chi volunteers are the school’s pillar of support From inception to completion, TCISKL has been fully supported by Tzu Chi volunteers in ensuring Tzu Chi’s education philosophy can be strongly rooted in Malaysia to benefit our children and society ultimately. By Tan Kim Hion TCISKL, a school for all —Upkeeping volunteer, Riyani Widjaja W hen TCISKL was opened for the purchase of books and uniform at the end of 2019 for its first batch of students, volunteer Riyani Widjaja brought her two children to assist, in order to provide some relief to teachers who were busy preparing for school opening in January 2020. As she lived nearby, Riyani went to the school daily to help in the stocktake of uniforms and shoes, and pack them accordingly for collection by parents. Since then, she would sign up whenever the school requires manpower for event or activity. Riyani’s travel business plummeted following the pandemic. Although she was a little helpless, she soon realized that there was little she could do. Following her change in perspective, she decided to allocate more time to focus and serve as a volunteer and Great Love Mother at the school. This way, she could also accompany her daughter, who is studying at TCISKL primary school. Prior to MCO, Riyani used to volunteer as a member of the Living Team, in supervising students as they served food and got their meals and lending a helping hand to the young students who sometimes struggled to push the food trolley. She was also responsible in reminding students to observe proper dining etiquette by sitting upright, holding the bowl between the left thumb and palm like a dragon holding a pearl in its mouth, and eat elegantly with their chopsticks like a phoenix drinking water. In her spare time, Riyani would also go to the school library to help with keying in book titles and serial numbers. She remarked, “Although I was always very busy at the school, the more I did, the happier I felt. My husband was also very supportive of me. He said that TCISKL was built with kind donations from many people. As Tzu Chi volunteers, we ought to contribute in taking good care of the school as a way to repay the people’s kindness and Master Cheng Yen’s love and guidance.” Riyani looks forward to school re-opening so that she can return to the school and continue to serve. This is her deepest wish.