By Dina Chung 

Helping Children in Argentina Prepare for School  

In the heart of Argentina, the Sun and Green (Asociación Civil Sol y Verde sin frontera) community experienced a burst of hope and color as Tzu Chi volunteers delivered essential school supplies to children just before the start of the school year. On February 16, 2025, ten dedicated volunteers embarked on this mission, made possible by a generous donation that enabled the purchase of much-needed schoolbags. 

Traveling by van, the volunteers faced an unexpected challenge: muddy, waterlogged roads after a heavy downpour. 

Volunteers carefully unload pre-packed stationery organized by grade level. | Photo: Dina Chung | Argentina | 2025/2/16 

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities  

Originally, the distribution was planned to be conducted directly from the vehicle due to limited space. However, the rain forced the volunteers to adapt. They carefully unloaded boxes of stationery, sorted by grade level, and placed them in a small, sheltered area. 

The residents patiently waited as the rain subsided, giving way to humid weather. Adding a touch of youthful joy, Cheng-Ning Wang, the seven-year-old son of volunteer Jun-ping Zhao, generously shared candy with the children, exclaiming, "Take more! There's plenty!" 

Seven-year-old Cheng-Ning Wang (first left) shares candies with other children, spreading joy and generosity during the distribution. | Photo: Dina Chung | Argentina | 2025/2/16

Moments of Gratitude and Connection 

As the distribution began, volunteer Fei-Chun Chen took to the microphone to start the ceremony. Volunteer Shu-Yu Chiu shared an encouraging Jing Si Aphorism quote: "Speak kind words, think good thoughts, do good deeds, and walk the right path." Angela, the head of the "Sun and Green" association, reminded everyone that it is a greater blessing to be a giver than a receiver. 

Six-year-old Luca, who was about to enter first grade, attended the event with his mother. Having attended the year-end blessing ceremony in January, he had a positive impression of Tzu Chi. He bravely stepped forward and said, "Thank you for the stationery." His mother added, "Thank you for your help." 

Six-year-old Luca (second left), accompanied by his mother, proudly expresses gratitude after receiving his supplies. | Photo: Dina Chung | Argentina | 2025/2/16

Strengthening the Spirit of Giving  

The event also served as an opportunity to raise awareness about the recent fires in Patagonia, Argentina. The emcee explained that donations collected would be used to help the victims. Residents eagerly contributed to the donation box, and some even brought their bamboo coin banks to donate. 

Volunteers present supplies to families with respectful bows, reflecting Tzu Chi’s core values of gratitude and humility. | Photo: Dina Chung | Argentina | 2025/2/16

In recent years, due to budget constraints, Tzu Chi Argentina had been unable to provide schoolbags. This year, thanks to a generous donation from a businessperson, they were finally able to provide schoolbags to kindergarten and first-grade students. 

The volunteers helped the children put on their new backpacks. The children's joy was palpable, and the volunteers felt the happiness and fulfillment from helping others. Luca returned to give Cheng-Ning a box of ice cream, and Cheng-Ning reciprocated with a box of spicy crackers. The two boys, just a year apart in age, expressed their gratitude to each other, creating a touching scene. 

Inspiring Future Generations  

Jun-Ping Zhao shared, "I brought my child to participate in the distribution during summer vacation so he could see children growing up in different environments. I hope he can understand that his parents' efforts are not something to be taken for granted." 

This event, filled with acts of kindness and compassion, demonstrated how even small gestures can create ripples of positivity, spreading hope and inspiring communities worldwide.