Written by Dina Chung
A Heartwarming Connection in Argentina
In the vibrant community of Barracas, Argentina, Tzu Chi volunteers continue to bring joy, wisdom, and environmental teachings to children in need. Through the collaboration with Asociacion Sol Y Verde Sin Fronteras, a non-governmental organization (NGO), children and volunteers alike experienced the warmth of giving and learning together. The story began when the NGO’s director, Angela, expressed how much the children missed tasting Taiwanese cuisine. Eager to fulfill this wish, the volunteers offered to bring traditional food along with the spirit of Jing Si Aphorisms and environmental education. This simple suggestion turned into a transformative experience for everyone involved.
Sharing the Spirit of the Bamboo Bank Era
On September 29, a group of nine student volunteers and six Tzu Chi volunteers made their way to Angela's association, Kalppa y Songo. They came with food, knowledge, and a deep desire to make a positive impact. The children, many from families of waste pickers, awaited them eagerly. Despite their shy demeanor, the children quickly warmed up to the volunteers, interacting playfully through games and riddles.
The event’s host, Gabriela, introduced the group to Tzu Chi’s history, explaining the origins and spirit of the "Bamboo Bank Era," where small daily contributions help foster a sense of shared responsibility and compassion. She spoke of the struggles that led to Tzu Chi’s formation and how those values remain alive in every volunteer’s actions today.
Learning Through Jing Si Aphorisms
Alejandra, one of the volunteers, captivated the children with an animal story inspired by a Jing Si Aphorism: "Giving brings the greatest reward; it is a greater blessing to give than to receive." In the tale, a rabbit, heartbroken by personal loss, finds solace in helping other forest animals. This selfless act not only healed the rabbit but brightened the entire forest, bringing hope and unity to the animal community. Alejandra’s animated storytelling held the attention of both children and adults, sparking their curiosity about the power of giving.
After the story, the volunteers demonstrated how to help one another through simple actions. From offering a hand to someone who has fallen, to supporting a friend with a hurt leg, the children learned the importance of kindness in practical ways. The session emphasized that small, thoughtful actions can make a big difference in everyday life.
Hands-On Learning
In a fun, interactive activity, the volunteers prepared four bins labeled for different types of waste: paper, glass, metal, and plastic. They invited the children to sort various pieces of trash into the correct bins. This exercise helped the children understand the importance of recycling and reducing waste to protect the Earth. The children were eager to participate, excitedly identifying items like glass bottles and their metal caps, learning how to separate them for proper recycling.
Following the recycling activity, the focus shifted to plants. Each child was given a small plastic cup half-filled with soil and a tomato seed. The volunteers explained the steps for planting and the responsibility of caring for the seeds. The children handled their cups with great care, ensuring they didn’t tip the soil as they proudly walked back to their seats. This simple act of planting a seed sparked a sense of ownership and excitement for the future.
Volunteer Noberto Chao took this opportunity to further explain the vital role of plants in sustaining life on Earth. He highlighted how trees provide oxygen and how paper can be reused to reduce deforestation. He also emphasized the importance of cleaning recyclables, such as plastic containers, before disposing of them to avoid contamination. Chao’s teachings were a reminder that even small actions can lead to a healthier planet.
Gratitude and Sharing Meals
As the day drew to a close, the volunteers served a delicious meal featuring fried rice, spring rolls, and dorayaki. Angela expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers for preparing such a meaningful feast, fulfilling the children’s long-held desire for Taiwanese flavors. She also thanked the Tzu Chi Foundation for its continued support and presence in the community.
The children, some of whom were hungry, patiently waited for their turn to receive the dorayaki. Their politeness was touching as they asked, “May I eat this now?” before enjoying the treats.
Soledad, one of the student volunteers, reflected on the day’s events, saying, “Being here today, sharing Jing Si Aphorisms with these children, feels like we are contributing to the next generation. Teaching them that giving is a greater blessing than receiving, which creates a cycle of kindness. This has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m grateful to work alongside these children and be part of their journey.”
Looking to the Future: Growing Together
Noberto Chao shared his thoughts, “We are constantly improving how we teach and share Jing Si Aphorisms. It’s not just about saying the words; it’s about living them—loving the Earth, recycling, and protecting trees. These lessons are important, and we hope to continue planting more trees with the children in the future. Our students have already marked their calendars for the next event, and we hope this meaningful work carries on.”
Every child has a unique story. Behind each smile or tear lies a journey filled with challenges and dreams. Through love, we can bridge gaps and offer these children the wisdom they need to embrace a brighter future.
