The world of Tzu Chi March-April 2022 (Vol.140)

TZU CHI 140 13 life could not have been worse. “I am sad that we are missing one person in the family... I cried badly! But I must be strong because my children are still young and they need me.” Krishnakumary held back her tears. Although her husband was an alcoholic, the sudden loss of a partner was nevertheless a painful experience. Her husband used to provide Krishnakumary with a monthly allowance of RM3,000. Now, she earns only RM1,700 per month. Although there are no housing loan repayments, there are other pressing commitments like petrol and monthly babysitting fees, children’s pocket money and transport allowance. In addition to her two children, Krishnakumary had adopted a relative’s daughter, Pavitharani a/p Raju, three years ago. Pavitharani’s father has cancer and his wife is the sole breadwinner. If Krishnakumary had not taken her in, the girl would have dropped out of school. “Pavitharani and my daughter are childhood friends and they are in the same class. I cannot bear to see her dropping out of school. I treat her like my own child. Now, the only expense paid by her mother is the RM150 transportation fee,” said Krishnakumary, with a faint smile. In such dire circumstances, one would consider an additional mouth a burden. However, Krishnakumary said, “It is not hard at all! I am just adding a little more rice and preparing an extra pair of dining ware. She is like my daughter and should not be deprived of the basics. When I am at work, they go to school together. I am more at ease knowing they can take care of each other.” Although Krishnakumary’s salary barely covers the living expenses of the family, she tries everymeans to send them for tuition as they are preparing for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. She works nearly 15 hours a day and also does overtime during weekends. It is about leaving early and returning late every day. “Two-thirds of my salary are from overtime pay. I would not miss any opportunity to work overtime.” However hard it takes, she labours on as she does not want the girls to be denied of a proper education. Last December, volunteers visited her regarding the K1K 2.0 relief programme. Krishnakumary is grateful for the subsidy from Tzu Chi as it would help provide her children the opportunity to further their education. Krishnakumary plays the role of both parents, and her daughter is trained to be independent, helping out with the cooking and house chores. On those rare weekends when she is off work, she will take her children out for roti canai at the mamak stall or whip up a few of her best dishes, enough to bring the sparkle on their innocent faces. In such tough times, to be able to sit together and enjoy a simple meal is contentment for the family. Volunteer Seah Chooi Kheng has had several interactions with Krishnakumary via phone calls and home visits, and he admires her fortitude and resilience. Chooi Kheng said, “She may not earn much, but she does not sit and wait for help. Instead, she actively seeks out work and endures every hardship, just for her family. She is a truly great mother.” Kita1Keluarga 2.0 Relief Programme