By Wei-Yang Kuo, Kang-Kang Kuo, Heng-Chung Su 

On March 28, a powerful earthquake shook Myanmar to its core, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. In Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, the devastation extended beyond crumbled buildings to the very places that serve as a sanctuary for vulnerable children—monasteries that also function as orphanages. 

Amid the chaos and uncertainty, Tzu Chi volunteers arrived not just as providers of aid but as compassionate caregivers. Their first mission was to deliver essential supplies—bread and milk—to nourish the children. Their promise to return with more food and rice lit up the children’s faces, their smiles shining as brightly as the hope they felt. 

At Aye Yeik Mon Orphanage there are 120 children, ranging from infants to teenagers. With the facility significantly damaged, concerns grew over the children’s safety. Volunteers stepped up to clean and organize spaces, care for babies, and lay out fresh mattresses and bed linens—ensuring a night of comfort for the young residents. 

During their visit, volunteers asked the children warmly, “Do you have enough clothes to wear, or do you need additional clothing?” The children reassured the volunteers that they had enough. 

Another location in urgent need of assistance was the Pyi Lone Chan Thar Ethnic Orphanage, which houses 180 children. The dormitories sustained such severe damage that the children have to sleep outdoors, leaving them unprotected from the approaching rainy season. Here, volunteers provided 900 fresh eggs and 150 loaves of bread—all purchased locally. Many compassionate shop owners, moved by the cause, generously offered supplies at discounted rates or as donations. 

Despite the dire circumstances, the children laughed and played without a care, their innocence shielding them from the adults’ burdens. One volunteer shared with the orphanage staff, “We’ll also be donating eggs—they’re very nutritious.” The staff gratefully replied, “That would be wonderful.” 

Tzu Chi’s commitment didn’t end there. Volunteers reassured the orphanage staff and caregivers that more aid would follow. Their promise to bring nutritious food and other essential resources brought comfort to the adults and renewed hope for the children. The sight of the children’s polite demeanor and radiant smiles served as a reminder of why the volunteers were there. 

As Myanmar begins its long road to recovery, the unwavering compassion of Tzu Chi volunteers exemplifies the strength of the human spirit. In the face of disaster, they prove that even small acts of kindness can weave a tapestry of hope and resilience.