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

TZU CHI 133 35 was not a suitable environment for a child’s growth. Home again In 2018, Sock Cheng returned to Malacca with 9-year-old Zi Jing to visit her family. Seeing her aging mother, who suffered a small stroke, and the simple living environment, she felt an urgent need to carry out her filial duty. Completing her kid’s school-leaving procedure in Hong Kong and returning to Malacca three months later finally set her mind at ease. Moving from a bustling city into a suburban town, the kid struggled to adapt and was withdrawn. Liaising with Tzu Chi Malacca Great Love Mothers and community volunteers, Sock Cheng learnt ways to accompany Zi Jing patiently through school activities. Under the care of family members, relatives and influence from the community, he gradually stabilized and his attitude softened. Since Kin Fook returned to Malacca in February 2020, there have been more laughter and compost pits, and less garbage. With an environmentally-friendly lifestyle, they family also managed to keep utility expenses at the minimal. Knowing that Sock Cheng liked cycling to the wet market for vegetables and food ingredients, Kin Fook installed a basket at the back of the bicycle. He also turned an oil container into a handy drain cleaning tool by connecting a water pipe to it. Later, they also started participating in recycling activities at the Ayer Keroh Recycling Education Centre. With his parents as role models, environmental protection is “reuse and consume less resources” to Zi Jing. He does not mind wearing used clothes or playing with used toys. He loves reading at the pre-loved books section at the Ayer Keroh Recycling Education Centre, where he found his own world and spends time with his peers. Once, when he wanted a bicycle helmet, his father brought him one from the recycling centre. He upgraded it by spraying paint and pasting stickers of his own liking. Environmental protection adds to the topic of communication among the family who realizes the urgency to save and help the sick Earth recover before it is too late. Volunteering as the person-in-charge of the recycling station near his home, Kin Fook brings his family of three to join in recycling with the big community every Wednesday night. Under the encouragement of volunteers, Sock Cheng began sharing her knowledge on protecting the environment with the public and educating the younger generation on recycling. Years ago, despite relocating to live with her husband, Sock Cheng felt out of place in a foreign land; at Tzu Chi, she regained the sense of belonging, of home. Returning to their homeland set the family at ease, drawing them closer to the native land. “As I plant, I witness many lives and realize how mankind has taken away their living space. I am grateful for their generosity and hope to coexist with them on this piece of land. It is the principle of coexistence among all living beings,” Sock Cheng shared her deepest realization. Closer Together – Because of a Green Space