The world of Tzu Chi April 2021 (Vol.133)

29 TZU CHI 133 Do you need help? Department of Social Welfare (Talian Kasih) 15999 Life Line Association Malaysia 03-42657995 Agape Counselling Centre Malaysia (HQ) 03-77810800/03-77855955/ 03-77855689 Than Hsiang Mitra Welfare Association KL (Mitraline) 03-79815300/5301 Befrienders KL 03-79568144/45 (24-hour hotline) Over the years, Pei Ching has learnt to take up more responsibilities and understand why some requests for help would be rejected. She explained, “For example, when I saw that the living environment of a family that was at the lower end of society, I would wonder why we did not help. Later on, I slowly understood that the person actually had the ability to find a job and make his own living, but he was lackadaisical and wanted to rely on help. That was why fellow volunteers encouraged him to get through the difficult time by himself. On the other hand, there were cases where the families concerned seemed to be living in a good environment, but still, we provided help because the breadwinners lost the ability to work due to serious illnesses. It takes experience to make these judgements.” Nevertheless, as every case is different, the volunteers will always discuss and seek the professional staff’s opinions to avoid blind spots. Pei Ching shared that the volunteers were once informed that an elderly woman in her seventies needed transportation subsidy for her dialysis treatments. The old lady was grumpy due to poor relationship with her family as well as the torture she faced from the illness. So, she vented her emotions at the volunteers. Seeing that, Weng Loon reminded the volunteers not to be contentious with her, but instead, try to listen to her so that she knew they understood her situations, and then only slowly guide her. For this case, the volunteers and staff held different views on the subsidy. However, they see each other’s perspectives. Both sides agreed to continue to observe and care for the elderly woman. Pei Ching said smilingly, “Weng Loon can accept the volunteers’ views. We just tell our thoughts, and he will not correct us in a harsh way just because he is a graduate. We can all get along in a very comfortable and frank way.” Pei Ching has benefitted a lot from the trainings arranged by Tzu Chi on the home visit programmes. She has learnt how to speak and communicate, among others. “Helping others is not only about giving aid, but also helping them to see their strengths and improve their lives through their own efforts. Volunteering is about being a benefactor to others.” The volunteers have been giving without seeking anything in return. They never ask for limelight or applause. Their psyche is indeed admirable. The same goes for the staff, who offer timely and professional advice to the volunteers, while learning from their altruistic selves. All in all, they complement each other and create a virtuous cycle of mutual growth. The ‘Big Dipper’ – Social Workers