TC Camp July 2009

With a nonchalant heart, I departed for the Sonitusskool in Pretoria on 9 July to participate in the annual Tzu Chi Volunteer Camp. Even though this isn't the first time I've work with Tzu Chi, I wasn't looking extremely forward to this camp.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen, a Buddhist nun, founded the Tzu Chi Foundation in 1966 with only thirty housewives. After forty-three years, Tzu Chi has more than four million members worldwide today. Tzu Chi members observe the Master's teachings, follow her steps and diligently carry out the four Tzu Chi missions of charity, medicine, education and culture. Tzu Chi's benevolent activities have spread far beyond Taiwan to the rest of the world.

The first two days of the camp were spent inside, listening to various presentations on Tzu Chi's history and its missions. We also learnt the correct way in which we must carry out volunteer work, i.e. to treat the people we help with respect and more importantly, gratitude. The reason for the latter is because we must thank these people for suffering in our place and also, we must be grateful to them as they are offering us a chance to do good deeds. Presentations on photographic techniques, first aid and vegetarianism were also conducted. These lectures were amusing and informative.

The highlight of this camp was on the third day, as we were to experience the joy of doing volunteer work ourselves. My group was allocated to an old age home in Johannesburg. I have to say that this was once again a poignant experience for me. Seeing the desire for affection in the eyes of the elderly was very heart-warming. We performed a few Tzu Chi sign-language songs, fed and chatted with these senior citizens. Also, Tzu Chi provided for them relief goods including toilet paper, clothes and socks. I felt gratified seeing the delightful expression in the faces of the elderly after we had interacted with them. This trip has reminded me not to send my parents to an old-age home once they become grey-haired because what old people need is not material goods but care and company.

What made this camp pleasant and fantastic was the group which I was in: "Even-tempered". My fellow group members were cheerful and caring. Also, Richard and Jessie, the group leaders, guided the group excellently. After the "bonding games" on the second day, everyone became trustworthy friends. And thus, with a contented heart, I returned home on 12 July.

Please take a few moments to read more about Tzu Chi at their official website or visit the Tzu Chi page at Wikipedia.