Being a Volunteer Together with Tzu Chi

The Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO), together with the representatives of Taiwan Youth Ambassador were visiting Yayasan Buddha Tzu Chi Indonesia. They did voluntary works by sorting out thrashes at the Tzu Chi Depo Pelestarian Lingkungan (Environment Conservation Depot), in Cengkareng.

The Taipei Economic and Trade Office (TETO), together with the representatives of Taiwan Youth Ambassador visited Indonesia from August 28, 2017 until September 2, 2017. This delegation which consist of 25 undergraduate students from different universities in Taiwan, came to Indonesia to learn the Indonesian economic condition, cultural values and tribes. They visited various government institutions, Department of Education, social institutions and many more, so that they can have better understanding of the development of Indonesia. Especially, the relationship between Indonesia and Taiwan.

During their 10 days visit in Indonesia, they also visited Yayasan Buddha Tzu Chi Indonesia. These representatives will do voluntary services like other Tzu Chi volunteers do. 

“So that, these students can serve the community. Through this service we can be useful and valuable” said Chen Chi-chia, the Director of The Youth Ambassador on Wednesday, August 30, 2017.

After the introduction of Tzu Chi Buddhist foundation and its mission at the Jing Si Hall, PIK, the group went to the Depo Pendidikan dan Pelestarian Lingkungan Tzu Chi (Tzu Chi Depot of Education and Environmental conservation) located at Cinta Kasih Tzu Chi housing complex in Cengkareng, North Jakarta. There, they sorted recyclable materials.

“By doing the activity at the recycling centre, we are able to learn to how to protect our Earth, to keep it beautiful.”, said Chen Chi-chia, TETO Deputy Counselor.

The Joy of Doing Recycle

Chia Wenyu, Tzu Chi volunteer, was explaining to Chen Chi-chia (right) and the group about the Tzu Chi missions and the activities done by Tzu Chi, at Tzu Chi Center PIK on August 30, 2017.

One of the students from the representatives of Taiwan Youth Ambassador was interacting with the students from Sekolah Cinta Kasih Tzu Chi Cengkareng by playing and dancing together with them after lunch at the school canteen.

Although sorting recyclable materials was their first experience, they did it joyfully. Some students sorted electronic wastes from cellphones, some sorted paper and plastic bottles.

One of them was Jacqueline. This student from Business Management major had her own impression on Indonesia and Tzu Chi Organization. Not only, Indonesia has good scenery, she also felt that the people are friendly.

“It feels like being welcomed at home”, said Jacky, short for Jacqueline.

This waste sorting was her first experience. She separated papers and plastics from used envelopes. She did not just sort waste, from this activity, Jacky also learned how that one thing can be used by everyone.

“Everyone works hard to make things useful. So, after sorting out those wastes, I understand that it is not easy to produce the things that we use. Because of this activity, I put more appreciation on the things that I use”, said this National Cheng Kung University student.

Oscar (right) who used to live in Indonesia was happy to be able to revisit Indonesia. He was also amazed by the students of Sekolah Cinta Kasih, whom followed the dance movements excitedly.

Jacqueline (middle), together with her friends were sorting the recyclable papers, which has become her first experience.

Furthermore, Oscar who had lived in Indonesia for a decade also explained about the changes that he felt from Indonesia.

“Indonesia is developing well and I’m pretty proud with its current condition. Some infrastructure have become more organized”, said Oscar.

Before visiting Tzu Chi Organization in Indonesia, Oscar has already known about Tzu Chi in Taiwan, nonetheless the waste sorting activity was his first experience. This student from National Chengchi University feels that the thrash in Indonesia is getting more, hence it is very important for everyone to do recycling activity.

‘This waste sorting activity will be good to reduce pollution and disposal of thrash”, said Oscar.

By volunteering at Tzu Chi, Oscar sees the importance of doing things without asking for something in return.

“We learnt a lot that in doing things we don’t need to ask for something in return and that we to do it with love. With love we can get closer with others.” said this Diplomacy major student.

Chen Chi-chia wished that the students who become the representative of the Youth Ambassador can learn a lot from this valuable experience to pass down universal great love to others. “After going back to Taiwan, I am sure that everyone will have a positive contribution either to the school or to the society”, said Chen Chi-chia.

Translator: Mely Kartono (Tzu Chi School)

Editor: Wida Maryani (Tzu Chi School)