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

2021 • 03 36 pecial Feature supervise his sisters’ homework before attending to his tasks. During mealtimes, he would allow his siblings to help themselves to the food, then serve his mother before finally eating. Elango’s father abandoned his family when Elango was four years old. His family relocated to their current home ten years ago after a fire engulfed their wooden house along with six other homes. Despite the adversities, Elango was fortunate to have his grandmother take care of him and his sisters. When his grandmother suffered from kidney failure, he took up the responsibility of caring for her. He even slept on the hospital floor for a month to accompany his grandmother until her demise in February 2020. A challenging childhood has forced Elango to grow up more quickly than teenagers his age. He vows to study hard. “When I grow up, I want to get a good job to give Mum a good life,” he said. Some of his neighbours signed up as Tzu Chi donors after learning about Tzu Chi from the volunteers during a gathering at his home. His mother, Selvarani, gladly took up the responsibility of collecting donations from them. In turn, Elango would help distribute the donation receipts to their neighbours. Receiving invaluable help Another proud recipient of the Filial Piety Award is Ng Bou Er from Jinjang, Kuala Lumpur. Fourteen-year-old Bou Er was raised by her grandmother, who was a Tzu Chi’s care recipient. Her Indonesian mother lost contact with her family after giving birth to her and returning to her hometown. Tzu Chi subsidized Bou Er’s enrolment to a kindergarten. However, when it was time for her to commence primary education, volunteers realized that she was not eligible for admission to a public school, as her parents did not legally register their marriage. Fortunately, an Indian teacher allowed her to attend classes at a Catholic church for free. There, she picked up the English and Malay language. She attended tuition class on Saturdays to learn Mandarin. Volunteers were able to help her apply for legal identification document but not without challenges. Through countless visits to the Social Welfare Department and the National Registry to handle procedures, Bou Er finally received her identification document with her grandmother being her official guardian. Notwithstanding this, she still faced problems enrolling in a public school. Volunteers continued to assist and help liaise with the Education Department and she was eventually admitted to a school during the second term of Primary 5. Reciprocation of care towards grandma Bou Er deeply appreciates the opportunity to attend school. Her initiative to learn won the hearts of her teachers. However, she also became petty and liked to compare herself to others. She held a grudge towards her parents and would occasionally be disrespectful to her grandmother, who doted on her. In Primary 6, she became rebellious and loved to sneak out to play. In July 2019, Bou Er’s grandmother fell and injured her spine. Although she was in pain and did not have an appetite, Bou Er still left her grandmother alone at home. It