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

TZU CHI 132 37 Rising Above Poverty was not until March 2020, when school was suspended due to the movement control order (MCO), that Bou Er observed her grandmother’s predicament. It made her realize that her grandmother would not be around forever. She started assisting with the housework, taking over cooking and cleaning chores. She also helped with her grandmother’s needs by bathing her, feeding her medicine and meals, and changing her diapers. “Grandma used to take care of me, now it is my turn to take care of her!” she said. When she did her homework, her grandmother would accompany her, sitting on a nearby sofa. Whenever her grandmother required something, she would fulfil it immediately. She admitted that she would be bothered sometimes when she was preoccupied, but it was only for a fleeting moment because she knew, that was her duty as a grandchild. On November 29, 2020, Bou Er’s grandmother passed away peacefully. Bou Er was thankful that she was able to accompany her grandmother in her last days. Volunteer Soh Shuh Loo considers Bou Er as her own daughter. When Bou Er stayed briefly with her, she realized that the girl had reached puberty, so she prepared sanitary products for her. Bou Er would remind herself of the people who deeply care for her, and use that as a motivation for her to be diligent in her studies. Shuh Loo once suggested for her to attend tuition classes but she politely declined as she did not want to waste money. She would search the internet for solutions when she required clarification about her studies. A distant shadow of herself, Bou Er now warmly gifts Mother’s Day cards to volunteers, having felt their constant care and love. Shuh Loo is pleased with the positive changes, especially Bou Er’s improved maturity and politeness. The hardships in these children’s lives may have hindered their education opportunities. However, the love and companionship of Tzu Chi volunteers have provided motivation to these children to have the resilience to persevere and progress steadily in every step of the way. Volunteer Soh Shuh Loo acts as a mother figure to Ng Bou Er. She is pleased to note Bou Er’s positive changes over the years.