Light at the End of the Tunnel
Written by Julie Yen Yu Chu, Malacca / Translated by Lim Wen Xin![On April 27, Ong Susan, a nurse, and medical volunteers visited Yaw Karen at her home in the company of volunteers. They assessed Karen’s physical reactions and sitting posture. [Photograph by Chiew Lay Choo]](/images/stories/cs/2017/20170427_CLC01_1_007.jpg "On April 27, Ong Susan, a nurse, and medical volunteers visited Yaw Karen at her home in the company of volunteers. They assessed Karen’s physical reactions and sitting posture. [Photograph by Chiew Lay Choo]")
After lying for over a month in the ICU, her condition did not improve. Doctors had no solution to her medical problem and requested her family to bring her home, expressing that her recovery depended on God.
Aid Relief after Flash Flood
Written by Low Siew Lian & Yong Siew Lee, Malacca / Translated by Ong Mooi Lin![Volunteers showering love to care recipient, Chan Cha Bor, who lives alone. Granny Chan happily chatted with the volunteers and exclaimed, “That is very thoughtful of you!” [Photograph by Yong Siew Lee]](/images/stories/cs/2017/20170811_YSL01_1_130.jpg "Volunteers showering love to care recipient, Chan Cha Bor, who lives alone. Granny Chan happily chatted with the volunteers and exclaimed, “That is very thoughtful of you!” [Photograph by Yong Siew Lee]")
A seven-hour non-stop torrential rain in the wee hours on August 11, 2017, caused the Malacca River and drains to overflow, inundating various low-lying areas in Malacca, with water levels reaching two to three feet. Traffic was brought to a halt due to flooded main roads.
It All Begins with Happy Schooling Scheme
Written by Julie Yen Yu Chu & Yong Siew Lee, Malacca / Translated by Lee Hui Yieng![The Happy Schooling Scheme has benefitted many needy students. Principal Lee Koon Lek of SJK(C) Paya Mengkuang plans to promote the spirit of the Bamboo Bank Era to evoke love within the students. Picture shows him presenting a bamboo bank to Teh Xuan Hong. [Photograph by Yong Siew Lee]](/images/stories/cs/2017/20170713_YSL01_2_138.jpg "The Happy Schooling Scheme has benefitted many needy students. Principal Lee Koon Lek of SJK(C) Paya Mengkuang plans to promote the spirit of the Bamboo Bank Era to evoke love within the students. Picture shows him presenting a bamboo bank to Teh Xuan Hong. [Photograph by Yong Siew Lee]")
Every year, Tzu Chi volunteers would personally visit Principals of remote rural schools one by one to propose to them Tzu Chi’s Happy Schooling Scheme. In July 2017, based on the demands of some schools, Tzu Chi provided computers, printers, books and school attires to the needy students.
The Joy of Owning a Refugee Card
Written by Tan Kim Hion, KL & Selangor / Translated by Peggy Lee & Catherine Foo![Hamid eventually possessed the long-awaited UNHCR refugee card. His joy is well expressed on his face. [Photograph by Ho Wing Hong]](/images/stories/cs/2017/CS_KL20170705_hyk01_100.jpg "Hamid eventually possessed the long-awaited UNHCR refugee card. His joy is well expressed on his face. [Photograph by Ho Wing Hong]")
“I have got my card! I have finally got my UNHCR refugee card!” Hamid from Myanmar could not contain his happiness upon receiving his long dreamt UNHCR refugee card. With this card, he would no longer have to worry about his medical treatment.
Love in Time of Distress
Written by Kok Ling Lin, Malacca / Translated by Lee Hui Yieng![Volunteer Ong Lee Siew handed relief cash from Tzu Chi to Annuadyrany. [Photograph by Hong Geok Hui]](/images/stories/cs/2017/20170628_HGH01_1_052.jpg "Volunteer Ong Lee Siew handed relief cash from Tzu Chi to Annuadyrany. [Photograph by Hong Geok Hui]")
The whole family of Annuadyrany, an Indian single mother, sighed helplessly when they lost all their belongings in a fire. Fortunately, help came in time. She never expected herself to benefit from her usual kind deeds.
Inculcate Etiquette along with Presentation of New Uniforms
Written by Kang Miew Tiang, Muar / Translated by Connie Ong Yoke Ching![From June 11 to 20, 2017, Tzu Chi Muar organized 15 sessions of school uniform distributions to a total of 314 students from 15 Chinese and 7 Tamil primary schools in the districts of Muar and Tangkak. [Photograph by Low Choon Hui]](/images/stories/cs/2017/20170620_LCH01_1_045.jpg "From June 11 to 20, 2017, Tzu Chi Muar organized 15 sessions of school uniform distributions to a total of 314 students from 15 Chinese and 7 Tamil primary schools in the districts of Muar and Tangkak. [Photograph by Low Choon Hui]")
For the first time, Tzu Chi Muar distributed school uniforms to students as part of the Happy Schooling Scheme. Volunteers also shared with the students on dressing etiquette and appearance, hoping that it will boost their self-confidence.
Timely Distribution of Uniforms Brought Great Joy to Students
Written by Yap Poh Chan, Kan Sou Fong & Lee Heng Lun, Nilai & Lenggeng / Translated by Goh Hwe Yong![Tzu Chi Seremban Liaison Office held a distribution of school uniforms to 18 pupils from two Tamil schools. [Photograph by Lee Mei Ling]](/images/stories/cs/2017/20170616_LML02_1_011.jpg "Tzu Chi Seremban Liaison Office held a distribution of school uniforms to 18 pupils from two Tamil schools. [Photograph by Lee Mei Ling]")
It is not an exaggeration that to clad in a pair of clean uniform for school is a luxury for some less fortunate children. In response to proposals by two Tamil primary schools in Seremban, Tzu Chi Seremban initiated the first school uniform distribution to 18 children from the said schools. With that, it was hoped that the children would be able to attend school with no worry of not having any uniform.
To Heal and Comfort through Home Visits
Written by Julie Yen Yu Chu, Malacca / Translated by Goh Hwe Yong![Valathamonie (2nd left) smiled broadly and was happy to show Dr Ng Guat Kiat (3rd right) and all present the result of her efforts in rehabilitation. [Photograph by Julie Yen Yu Chu]](/images/stories/cs/2017/20170604_JYYC1_2_186.jpg "Valathamonie (2nd left) smiled broadly and was happy to show Dr Ng Guat Kiat (3rd right) and all present the result of her efforts in rehabilitation. [Photograph by Julie Yen Yu Chu]")
It is not uncommon to hear doctors blaming their patients for not adhering to what they are told to do, like carrying out rehab routines, and taking medication regularly at the correct doses. However, the reason for patients not doing what they are told to do is often unheard. In order to maintain a closer doctor-patient relationship and provide the assistance needed, medical doctors must take the initiative to find out the patients’ difficulties.
Sending Love through Prison Bars
Written by Ong Seng Yeow, Kluang / Translated by Ong Mooi Lin![Volunteers from Kuala Lumpur were invited to participate in the counselling service to the inmates of Simpang Renggam Prison. The Prison-Officer-in-charge, Saravanan (middle), complimented their selfless service and inspiring sharing. [Photograph provided by Simpang Renggam prison authority]](/images/stories/cs/2017/20170602_ot_015.jpg "Volunteers from Kuala Lumpur were invited to participate in the counselling service to the inmates of Simpang Renggam Prison. The Prison-Officer-in-charge, Saravanan (middle), complimented their selfless service and inspiring sharing. [Photograph provided by Simpang Renggam prison authority]")
In order for the inmates to benefit from Tzu Chi volunteers’ personal stories of transformation, and for volunteers to have a chance to serve the inmates, volunteer Ong Seng Yeow from Kluang arranged for a sharing by volunteers from Tzu Chi Entrepreneurs’ Group in the prison. After more than a month of planning and seeking approval from the prison authority, the day had arrived.
Aid for Burmese Baby Born with Hydrocephalus
Written by Julie Yen Yu Chu, Malacca / Translated by Connie Yew![Noor Falemah attended Sufi’s funeral with volunteers by her side. [Photograph by Julie Yen Yu Chu]](/images/stories/cs/2017/20170517_JYYC1_2_062.jpg "Noor Falemah attended Sufi’s funeral with volunteers by her side. [Photograph by Julie Yen Yu Chu]")
Parents of Muhammad Sufi were so happy when Sufi’s operation was successful. It rekindled his father’s hope to live in this foreign land. He also told his son to join Tzu Chi volunteers in carrying out kind deeds when he grows up. Sadly, the boy passed away one month post-surgery due to bacterial infection.