After the end of the COVID-19 epidemic, Taiwan opened up overseas travel. Teachers and students of the Department of Nursing of Tzu Chi University seized the chance to make a meaningful visit to serve those in need.
Because of the pandemic, Tzu Chi University students have been interrupted for three years in their winter and summer overseas study trips. With the lifting of restrictions, 18 junior students led by teachers Cai Juan-xiu(蔡娟秀) and Li Yan-fan (李彥範) from Tzu Chi University went to Mahidol University in Thailand for a one-month exchange from January 17 to February 18.
In their spare time, they participated in a free clinic for refugees organized by Tzu Chi volunteers in Bangkok.
Hygiene Lesson
To teach hygiene concepts to refugee children, they prepared posters. The children listened attentively to their explanations and demonstrations. One refugee girl said: "They taught me how to origami a paper airplane and how to wash my hands properly."
Student Zheng Jia-fang (鄭佳芳) explained: "We made posters to tell them how to wash their hands. Before eating snacks, they have to wash their hands properly. Afterwards, we played some games so that they can learn and play here."
Smiles Are As Important As Words
The students used simple English and body language to interact enthusiastically with the refugee children. It made this rare overseas trip full and meaningful.
Cai Juan-xiu said: "Because everyone is not fluent in the language, the students also know that love and smiles are as important as language. So they learnt a lot during the whole process."
A Vietnamese refugee father felt grateful: "We are very grateful to see these college students from Taiwan helping my daughter and other children play games and how to wash their hands properly."
Free Clinic Provides Relief to Refugees
The children were accompanied by students of Tzu Chi University, so that the adults could see the doctors with peace of mind. Rama, a Vietnamese refugee mother, and her two children have been coughing non-stop since early January; this visit finally relieved their worries.
Rama said gratefully: "It doesn't cost money to come here to see a doctor and I can get medicine. I hope my children will recover soon after taking the medicine. I would like to thank everyone for the doctor and the Tzu Chi volunteers at the site for their willingness to help us."
Life is short. To make full use of their life, teachers and students of Tzu Chi University took advantage of the holidays to go overseas to contribute what they have learnt. They have broadened their knowledge and gained many experiences to serve people in need.
One of Jing Si Aphorisms says: “Treasure each and every moment to share one’s love and serve society through concrete action.”
Let us join our love together to made our world a better place.
Story by Sang Ruilian Kunda and Shara from Thailand
