Fulfillment of hope

Journalist : Rizki Hermadinata (Tzu Chi Bandung), Photographer : Muhammad Dayar (Tzu Chi Bandung)

Toto Tursinah (center) accompanied by one of the Tzu Chi volunteers together with the head of Jamika Village, Fajar Siliwangi cut the ribbon which indicates the handing over the house that was built by Tzu Chi Bandung.

Toto Tursinah (83) was filled with joy when she received assistance from Tzu Chi Home Renovation Program, Bandung. The house which she had resided for decades was in a bad condition and couldn’t be any longer used as a shelter. Toto, who lives with her two children, grandchildren, and son-in-law, relies on her income from selling porridge. However, having a low income it was hardly possible to repair her house.

Toto's house, which is located in a narrow alley in Jamika Village, was known by the community volunteers in the area. This opportunity came along through Ida Widayati who was one of the volunteers in the Jamika community. She often passes by Toto's house and shows concern about her living condition.

"I often pass by Mrs. Toto's house, who sells porridge together with her child. However, it doesn’t seem to be crowded maybe due the poor condition of the house that people are reluctant to buy the porridge,” said Ida.

The volunteers of Tzu Chi Bandung handed the house keys to Toto Tursinah (wearing a red veil) which had been rebuilt by Tzu Chi Bandung, previously in a bad condition.

The poor living condition faced by Toto Tursinah alerted the volunteers of the Jamika community who had a discussion on how to help her family. On November 28, 2021, it was agreed to demolish Toto's house after going through a survey and a discussion.

Toto is a single parent who lost her husband. She has five children and her first child has some mental disorder. Toto and her second child, who is married with one kid relies on the income from selling porridge. Meanwhile, Toto's son-in-law, who is only a casual laborer, is unable to fulfill her daily needs.

On November 30, 2021 marks a happy day for the Toto family. It was when the construction of the house started. Volunteers and local residents worked together to help. Entin Supriatin, Toto's second child, is very happy that the house he has been living is undergoing a renovation, which was a great help.

This house is the 33rd house of the Tzu Chi home renovation program, Bandung in Jamika Village.

“Before it was renovated, I couldn’t sleep due to the rain which caused the wind to blow very strongly and I was afraid it would collapse. Now, it is very comfortable and we need not worry anymore. I am really grateful and thanking to the Tzu Chi Buddhist community for making my house very comfortable,” she said.

There was a warm welcome came from Fajar Siliwangi, the head of Jamika Village during the inauguration of the house on January 14, 2022. According to him, the existence of the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation is very much appreciated because they really care for people who needs help.

“I am really thankful for Tzu Chi's concern in the area of the Jamika village at District Bojong Kaler, Bandung. So far, we have had a number of assistances organized by Tzu Chi. Another one is Rutilahu's home which was previously not in a good condition is now a comfortable home. So far, what I have observed is there are many benefits of having a foundation,” he concluded.

Toto Tursinah's house condition before the renovation. The house she had lived in for decades was in a bad condition

Toto Tursinah's house is the 33rd house of the Tzu Chi home renovation program in Bandung. Previously, Tzu Chi Bandung had built 32 houses in the Jamika area, Bandung City through the Village Renovation program since 2010.

The relationship between Tzu Chi Bandung and Toto Tursinah opens the door of hope that was attained to be able to live in a house that is healthy, clean and comfortable during her old age. Hopefully with this Tzu Chi home renovation program, Bandung can continue to spread virtue and benefits to those in need.

Translator: Mely Kartono (Tzu Chi School)