Hsiu-Lien Chu, Jing-Ru Lin, and Li-Kai Yang | Central America

In Nicaragua, Tzu Chi volunteers are dedicated to improving the lives of the local communities through various initiatives. Despite the challenges posed by poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to education and healthcare, the volunteers work tirelessly to bring hope and positive change. Their efforts span from caring for the elderly to providing educational opportunities and promoting sustainable agriculture.

A Clean Home for a Lonely Senior

In Tisma, Jose, a solitary elder abandoned by his daughter, lives alone, feeling lonely and sad. During a home visit, he told volunteers that his limbs itched terribly. Volunteers found his bed covered with dust, his home messy, and dirty clothes hanging everywhere. Saddening them further, they discovered he was still eating red beans that had gone sour.

Feeling deeply sorry for him, volunteers invited others from different areas to help clean, accompany, and cook for him on April 20. During the cleaning, volunteer Vanesa chatted with Jose while others cleaned the house and yard, washed dirty clothes, and cooked. Despite the sweltering heat, everyone was happy to help share Jose's household chores.

Upon seeing Jose’s old and dirty mattress, one of the volunteers, Ken, immediately brought over an unused mattress and bed frame for Jose. Another volunteer, hose grandmother had recently passed away, felt particularly empathetic towards Jose and quickly raised 20 USD from her friend Ida in the United States to help him.

After over two hours of hard work, ten volunteers finally cleaned his home thoroughly. Despite encountering six crabs, a snake, and a termite nest, they bravely continued their tasks. After the cleaning, the volunteers accompanied Jose for lunch. With tears in his eyes, he said, "Tzu Chi volunteers are closer to me than my own family. It’s wonderful to have you." Due to his advanced age, difficulty walking, and poor vision, Jose needs help with cleaning, laundry, and cooking. Volunteers are now communicating with his neighbors to see if they can help him and solve his daily care problems.

Education Brings Hope and Transforms Lives

Jasmina, a thirty-five-year-old single mother in the Timal area, needs to care for her elderly mother, disabled uncle, and youngest son. Her eighty-one-year-old mother suffers from chronic illnesses, and her sixty-five-year-old uncle is physically challenged. Her eldest son ran away from home, abandoning them; her second son also left the family to avoid responsibility. Due to poor economic conditions, her five-year-old son, Jordany, cannot attend school.

According to Nicaragua's Ministry of Education, children over five cannot enter kindergarten. Volunteers were anxious as the semester had already been underway for three months, worrying that five-year-old Jordany would miss his chance to study. They sought a kindergarten willing to accept Jordany while also buying him a school uniform, backpack, textbooks, and other supplies. After three days of racing against time, they successfully enrolled Jordany in kindergarten.

Understanding the importance of education, Jordany's ability to attend school is great encouragement to the volunteers. They hope to be a safe haven and support for the children, expecting that all the "little Jordanys" will achieve something, grow into living bodhisattvas, and help more people out of poverty.

Another case is twenty-three-year-old Morelia who lives in the Bocana community and is a single mother of four children. Due to domestic violence, poverty, and consecutive pregnancies, she dropped out of school. Volunteers felt sorry for Morelia and her children, knowing she desired a better life.

To help Morelia return to school, Maryuri, a volunteer who works at the Ministry of Education did what she could to ensure Morelia could attend school along with her youngest child.

However, Morelia had suicidal tendencies. During classes, Maryuri noticed healed cuts on Morelia's wrists. Hence, to ensure Morelia’s safety, several volunteers visit her regularly, hoping to prevent further suicidal thoughts and helping her achieve her wish to escape her troubled family.

Helping Families in Need

During a visit to Victoria's home, volunteers learned that her family lacked identification documents, which hindered their access to education and healthcare services. Victoria's granddaughter, Neftali, was unable to attend school. The volunteers stepped in, providing food assistance and scholarships, and encouraged Neftali to pursue her studies. With Maryuri's assistance, they successfully enrolled Neftali in school. Three weeks later, Neftali began planning for her future, aiming to improve her family's circumstances. Inspired by the support she received, Neftali also decided to join Tzu Chi as a volunteer to contribute back to her community.

Sustainable Agriculture and Community Development

In January, Tzu Chi launched the Great Love Farm in Timal. After two months of diligent care, they successfully harvested watermelons and squash. Despite initial doubts about pesticide-free farming, the modest harvest inspired everyone. This experience has strengthened their commitment to nurturing the crops for improved future harvests.

Volunteers are also actively discussing how to promote vegetarianism and offering nutritious meals within the community. Li-kai Yang taught them how to prepare Taiwanese dishes and incorporate vegetarian substitutes into local cuisine. Everyone savored the meals and gained a deeper confidence in Tzu Chi's mission.

Tzu Chi and local volunteers are committed to helping those in need, understanding their struggles, and filling their lives with light and hope. They aim to bring new happiness to Nicaraguan communities and hope for a prosperous and healthy future. Through their continuous efforts in education, healthcare, and sustainable development, they are making a significant impact on the lives of many, fostering a culture of compassion and support.