By Yi-Hsin Yeh 

In Keelung, Taiwan, the year-end blessings event of 2024 was held on December 28th and 29th. The event was vibrant, with booths set up at the Fu Hui Hall and outdoor plaza of the Keelung Jing Si Hall, offering food, games, and opportunities to learn about Tzu Chi. Youth volunteers played a key role, organizing activities such as a Monopoly game, a tossing game, and other fun, educational games that allowed participants to understand Tzu Chi's mission through play. 

Nurturing Young Hearts 

The Young Shan—Youths for Goodness program (揚善青年) in Keelung started in September 2023, targeting high school and university students, especially those from Tzu Chi care recipient families. The program aims to instill positive and compassionate values in young people, guiding them to engage in social services through the companionship of volunteers. 

Volunteer Lih-Han Yeh leads the youth volunteers and mentioned that the program involved extensive planning and coordination. “We designed the courses considering the students’ perspectives, providing both humanistic classes and various practical activities. Through volunteering and serving others, students realized that they too could become givers.” 

Transforming Lives Through Service 

Over the past year, these young volunteers have helped with cleaning the living environments of care recipients and visited elders in nursing homes. In reflective discussions, they shared their experiences. "Although it may seem like we’re doing very little, these small acts can help the earth. Never underestimate your ability," shared student Hong-Ji Lu. Yu-Xin Wu echoed this sentiment, stating that initially, she attended classes for fun, but eventually realized the knowledge she gained, such as making friends and environmental protection, was invaluable. 

Zhi-Juan Wang, one of this year's student leaders, reflected on her experience during a free clinic activity, where she felt the joy of serving others. She aspires to emulate the selfless dedication of Tzu Chi volunteers and give back to society. 

Encouraging Words from the Masters 

During the discussion, Master De Chuan (德傳師父) encouraged the students by saying, "You come from small families, but you have a big (Tzu Chi) family as well. Wherever you go, there are many uncles and aunties who love you. With this abundance of love, no matter what life challenges you face, don't be afraid. We are here, and Tzu Chi volunteers are here to support you." 

Master De Chuan shared this year's theme, “May we learn and attain awakening with mindfulness,” urging students to face challenges with a pure heart and to always approach situations with positive thoughts. Master De Yi (德懿師父) also expressed that the arrival of so many young people brings a positive force to society. Encouraging them, she said, “Mindfulness is the key to professionalism. With sincerity and willingness to learn, you will gain insights and experiences.” 

Learning and Growing Together 

This year, the youth volunteers took charge of a booth at the year-end blessings event, incorporating current affairs into the Tzu Chi Four Missions and Eight Footprints. They divided the questions into volunteer-level and public-level, allowing everyone to deepen their understanding of Tzu Chi’s work through games. The new youth volunteers, like Min-Qi Wu from Keelung Marine University, felt a strong sense of mission after participating in various Tzu Chi activities and witnessing the spirit of selfless love promoted by the monastics of Tzu Chi. 

Volunteer Yong-Wei Shi shared, "Helping others expands your heart and trains your patience." He found joy and strength in collaboration and appreciated the opportunities to contribute and grow. 

Yi-Jun Ki, who joined Tzu Chi through the sutra adaptation performance of the “Sutra of Infinite Meanings,” was inspired by the dedication of senior volunteers. Despite challenges, she remains committed to serving, understanding that every small effort counts. With her successful registration as a stem cell donor in 2024, she is determined to keep her body healthy to save lives. 

Energizing Tzu Chi with Youth 

Master De Chuan emphasized the hope brought by young volunteers stepping out of their comfort zones and working with senior volunteers. This infusion of youthful energy into Tzu Chi brings new vitality to the Bodhisattva path, ensuring a bright future of compassion and resilience.