The world of Tzu Chi Sep-Oct 2022 (Vol.143)

TZU CHI 143 39 that he had been focusing on scavenging and thinking about his family’s livelihood. The doctors’ visit had benefitted him greatly and he looked forward to his recovery so that he could be the pillar for his family again. A guiding star that lifts the spirits Since the volunteers stepped in to care for the family in January this year, they have not only brought them financial assistance from Tzu Chi, but also encouraged the couple to make a career change so that they could have a stable job and income to improve their living conditions. Moreover, volunteers applied for their sons to be enrolled in the online English tuition initiated by Tzu Chi Malacca in March this year for children from disadvantaged families. The shy older son, Yew Hong, has been highly receptive to the online lessons. He would test the Internet connection half an hour before the classes begin to ensure that he would not miss any lesson. The youngest son, Yew Man, though not interested in studying, was drawn to the English lessons. Their tuition teacher, Principal Ong Siou Mei, commended on their keen attitude and how they cherished the opportunity to learn. They also showed progress after a few lessons. For that, Siew Leak was grateful, for she and her husband are incapable of guiding their sons in their studies, and also could not afford tuitions for them. She hoped the free tuition could help transform the boys’ lives. The couple was also grateful and touched for the care and support offered by the doctors and volunteers in various aspects, from their daily life and healthcare to the children’s education. Siong Heng expressed, “I cannot imagine how we could get through this period if it was not for the assistance from Tzu Chi!” Siew Leak added, “Sometimes, when we found some rotten vegetables in the rubbish bins, we would just remove the rotten parts and eat the good parts. We also ate expired frozen seafood discarded by others. We are thankful for the education aid from Tzu Chi, which has connected us with the organization, and for the volunteers’ visits and care, which has led to subsequent assistance for us. Tzu Chi is really our guiding star!” When Tzu Chi volunteers reached out to a disadvantaged family, they do not just bring financial assistance, but go further to care for the family’s well-being, such as the children’s education, medical needs, living environment and safety, and offer help and support as needed. Their ultimate goal is to help the care recipients to be self-reliant, and to share the kindness they received. For Siong Heng’s family, the volunteers and doctors will continue to care for them, and step by step, help the head of the family to regain his health and assist the couple to get stable jobs, so that their lives will gradually return to normal and the children can study in peace. Hopefully, they can start anew in the coming year, after relocation to their new home. * The PeKa B40 scheme was launched by the Ministry of Health Malaysia in 2019, to provide free health screening, medical device assistance, incentives to complete cancer treatments and transport incentives to those in the bottom 40% income (B40) bracket and aged 40 and above.