For Manora Khatun and her ailing husband, home was a precarious assembly of materials. A few wooden poles leaned against a brick wall, covered with corrugated sheets and gunny sacks. Inside, a single wooden plank served as their bed. This fragile structure was their only defense against the elements, a constant reminder of their life of uncertainty in Moglaha Village, Lumbini.

At nearly 60 years old, Manora is the sole provider. She tends a small vegetable patch, and every few days, she walks to a nearby market to sell her harvest of long beans and okra. A good day might bring in 50 to 60 Nepalese Rupees (less than US$0.50), just enough for salt, oil, and sugar. For their staple food, rice, the couple often had to rely on the generosity of their neighbors.

A Cycle of Goodness Takes Root

Previously, Tzu Chi’s An Mei Initiative team, working to create stable homes and friendly communities, had built prefabricated SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) houses for villagers in need. While quick to assemble, these structures were not as durable as traditional brick homes. For Manora and her husband, the team was determined to provide a more permanent and secure dwelling. The challenge was that they had never built a brick house before.

Upon hearing this, Dr. Kiat Beng Tang (陳吉民), the deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Malaysia, suggested they find a local villager with construction experience to guide them. The perfect teacher appeared in an unexpected way. Rajman Lodh, a local man skilled in bricklaying, mortar, and flooring, readily agreed to help. His connection to the volunteers was a personal one; his daughter, Sonmati Lodh, had previously received assistance from Tzu Chi for heart surgery.

"This is my chance to repay the kindness," Rajman explained as he taught the team. "Tzu Chi helped me, and now I want to help more people." He worked alongside the volunteers, sharing his knowledge and assuring them that a well-built brick house could stand for a century with proper care.

A Home Built with Love

Under Rajman’s guidance, the An Mei team learned to lay bricks, mix mortar, and construct a solid foundation. They worked tirelessly under the hot sun, their efforts a testament to their commitment to giving the couple a true home.

On June 12, the house was complete. Seeing her new, sturdy home, Manora was overcome with emotion. In a gesture of gratitude, Manora offered the volunteers the vegetables she had planned to sell. The volunteers gently declined her gift, instead choosing to buy her entire stock at a price higher than what she would get at the market, sparing her the long walk and ensuring she had income for her family.

As the final touches were being put on the house, Nepali volunteer Anish took the opportunity to share more about the foundation’s work with Manora and her curious neighbors. He showed them a photo of Master Cheng Yen on his phone, explaining her aspiration to bring positive change to the Buddha’s homeland. The story of compassion from afar moved Manora to tears once more.

Though the couple had to wait a few days for the new concrete floor to fully harden before they could move in, they were filled with happiness and patience. For them, a few more days of waiting was nothing compared to a lifetime of instability.

Volunteer Rishikesh, a member of the An Mei team, reflected on the project with satisfaction. "Although a brick house costs more than an SPC one, the genuine peace of mind it brings to the villagers makes all the hard work worth it," he said. He looks forward to the team continuing to build on their new skills, hoping to provide safe and lasting homes for many more families in need.

Written by Lam Kia Goh (吳南凱)

Source: 手心向下協助蓋磚房 藍毘尼貧民終安身