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

05 The ‘Big Dipper’ – Social Workers In Hong Kong, social workers are romantically dubbed the “Big Dipper” because they guide those in darkness to a brighter path. This is akin to the northern hemisphere where the Big Dipper guides those who have lost their way. In Malaysia, the ratio of social worker to the population is about 1:8,000 people. This is insufficient but fortunately, there are groups of volunteers who play similar roles, albeit lacking a professional background. Both groups work together to foster social harmony and help the needy. O n a quiet night, Tzu Chi volunteer Wong Lee Poh’s phone rang. It was care recipient Ah Qing (a pseudonym). “Sister, my family is quarrelling, I am very scared!” she said, between sobs. Ah Qing’s family was involved in drugs. The quarrel spiralled into a fight, causing Ah Qing’s two children to cry in fright. As Ah Qing lived in a remote location, and there were no male volunteers who could accompany Lee Poh, she was also afraid to go. Instead, she told Ah Qing to temporarily seek shelter with her friends or relatives who lived nearby. Thankfully, the quarrel was not related to Ah Qing who immediately left with her children, while Lee Poh called the police. Only when the police ended the quarrel did Ah Qing return home with her children. After the incident, Ah Qing moved out. She no longer faces such situations. The fact is, this kind of episode is not