The world of Tzu Chi June 2025 (Vol.154)

2025 • 06 24 shot, she fled to Malaysia with her unborn child and young children. Yet life remained unrelenting—her newborn was diagnosed with a rare condition and could not be fed normally. Each day, she painstakingly prepared and fed milk drop by drop through a nasogastric tube. Though her child could neither sit nor speak, she never gave up, protecting her with the gentlest yet firmest resolve. Inna often found herself in tears whenever Tzu Chi volunteers visited. With long-term care and emotional support from volunteers and TIMA members, she began to heal and believe that she, too, deserved love and hope. “My child progresses slowly,” she said, “but I pray for her daily. Every tiny change is a miracle.” She now saves coins in a bamboo bank, quietly paying forward the love she once received. One family, beyond differences As the Malay version of “One Family” played, children from TCISKL, Tzu-Chi Alternative Learning Centres, and volunteer families performed a sign language rendition. The audience joined in, hands blossoming like flowers and fluttering like dandelions in the wind. The silent resonance of hearts moved many to tears. Among the attendees were Nur Aisyah’s family of seven, all dressed in maroon. “It’s been so long since we celebrated Hari Raya,” she shared, her voice full of emotion. “The warm vegetarian meal made me feel loved and cared for by Tzu Chi.” Due to financial hardship, the family had not celebrated the festival in years. Nur Aisyah was not only moved by the thoughtfulness, but also touched by the video footage shown that day. Realising there were many families in need, she pledged to start saving in a bamboo bank daily and hoped to one day become a Tzu Chi volunteer herself to reciprocate the kindness. A taste of wisdom Twenty-two-year-old Junita has been in contact with Tzu Chi since childhood. She speaks fluent Mandarin and can communicate with the volunteers effortlessly. “Only today did I realise that vegetarianism isn’t just a trend. A diet style with less meat reflects the wisdom of sages!” she exclaimed, inspired by Dr. Zazali’s sharing. She was especially surprised by the vegetarian rendang served during lunch. “I thought it was chicken, but it turned out to be mushrooms! It tasted just the same. No difference, and really good!” She remarked with a smile, adding that she now plans to cook with the healthy ingredients recommended by volunteers. Originally, Junita celebrated only with her mother and sister. But surrounded by the joyful atmosphere and laughter at Jing Si Hall, she felt as though she has now had a big family to celebrate with. Witnessing goodness Zalilah from iRehab, a one-stop rehabilitation centre in Subang Jaya, was grateful for the opportunity to attend this special event for the Muslim community. Before this, she had only limited knowledge of Tzu Chi, mainly through charity cases and volunteers. Experiencing the event first-hand and watching the video footage had given her a deeper understanding of Tzu Chi’s efforts in poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare. She admired the volunteers’