History

More than Half a Century of Compassion: The Story of Tzu Chi

The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a volunteer-based organization founded by Dharma Master Cheng Yen in 1966, with its headquarters in Taiwan. It is an international charity organization devoted to spreading Great Love in the fields of Charity, Medicine, Education, and Culture. It later expanded its work to International Relief, Bone Marrow Donation, Environmental Protection, and Community Volunteerism. Today, Tzu Chi has volunteers in 67 countries and regions, and has provided aid in more than 133 countries and regions.

In the early years, Dharma Master Cheng Yen and her first five monastic disciples raised funds by making and selling extra pairs of baby shoes. Her teachings inspired 30 housewives to put aside a TWD 50-cent coin (approx. 0.02 USD) into their personal bamboo banks every day before grocery shopping. These humble donations became charity funds that directly helped the local poor, elderly, and sick individuals.

Tzu Chi's goal is to spread the spirit of selfless Great Love around the world. Like a seed that produces more seeds, compassionate actions inspire more love, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious society.

Timeline

1937
1952
1958
1963
1964
1966
1967
1969
1972
1973
1986
1989
1990
1991
1993
1994
1996
1998
1999
2000
2001
2003
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020

1937

Birth of Master Cheng Yen

Dharma Master Cheng Yen was born in Qing-Shui, Taichung County, Taiwan.

1952

Master Cheng Yen vows to become a vegetarian

When her adoptive mother was hospitalized, she took a vow to become a lifelong vegetarian and offered to give up her years of her life in exchange for her mother's health.

1958

Master Cheng Yen loses father and begins search for life's true meaning.

July 25 (Lunar calendar: June 6): her adoptive father died suddenly. It was in deep sorrow that she encountered the Buddhist Dharma and searched for the meaning of life. After days of deep contemplation, she decided that, although it was a blessing for a woman to “carry the basket (manage the house)”, there should be a greater purpose in life. Everyone is responsible for the well-being of the world.
Severe floods hit Taiwan on August 7. About a month after the disaster, Dharma Master Cheng Yen accompanied Dharma Master Xiu Dao to visit devastated communities in the south. Passing through Changhua County, they experienced the ugly smell of corpses. This incident made her understand the concept: “the world is impermanent, and the land is fragile”.

1963

Master Cheng Yen becomes Master Yin Shun's disciple, and vows to work "For Buddha's teachings, and for all living beings."

In March, a special circumstance brought her into a chance encounter with Venerable Master Yin Shun at a Buddhist lecture hall in Taipei. She became his disciple. He gave her the Dharma name, Cheng Yen, and a simple instruction -- “For Buddha's teachings, and for all living beings.”

1964

Master Cheng Yen takes on first disciple and establishes the principle of No Work, No Meal

In May, Dharma Master Cheng Yen settled in Haihui Temple in Keelung City, Taiwan for a three-month Vassa (Lent) stay.
In September, after the Vassa, Dharma Master Cheng Yen returned to Taichung County to celebrate her mother's birthday. After the Autumn Festival, she returned to Pu Ming Temple with her first disciple, Dharma Master De Ci. Later, several disciples joined them. They started a life-long spiritual cultivation of “no work, no meal.” They worked during the day; she taught the Four Books and Buddhist scriptures to the disciples at night.

1966

Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Association is founded, with the establishing of the Mission of Charity

In February, Dharma Master Cheng Yen planned to relocate to Chiayi County. But she was asked to stay on by 30 lay followers. Meanwhile, seeing the blood of an aboriginal woman who had suffered a difficult labour and a visit by three Catholics nuns spurred Master Cheng Yen to set up a charity mission to help the poor and the sick.
In May, “the Buddhist Tzu Chi Merit Association” was established. It was funded by the earnings of six Buddhist nuns to make six extra pairs of baby shoes and 30 housewives saving TWD 50-cent coin (about 0.02 USD) daily. Each month they saved up to NT$1,000 (about US$36) to begin their charity work.
The same month Dharma Master Cheng Yen led a small team to visit their first client, an 86-year-old lady who lived alone, Mrs. Lin Zeng. A long-term care project began in June with monthly aid of NT$300 (about US$11) and increased to NT$400 (about US$15) in June 1969. This aid continued till Mrs. Lin passed away in February 1970. Tzu Chi completed the caring by helping with her funeral.

1967

Tzu Chi takes on first care recipient and publishes first Tzu Chi monthly

The first case of medical treatment was a vegetable vendor named Lu Dan-Gui; it was reported by a friendly neighbor, Mr. Li. Mrs. Lu lived with her husband and five children. Suffering from glaucoma, Mrs. Lu was unable to work and relied on her husband to support the family and pay her medical expenses. Tzu Chi supported her by paying her medical bills and transportation expenses. When Mrs. Lu committed suicide a year later, Tzu Chi supported the family with NT$1,200 (about US$44) for funeral expenses. In addition, to supply families with rice and financial help until their situation improved, Dharma Master Cheng Yen implemented a system of regular follow-ups that encouraged volunteers to visit their clients once every three months.
In July, Tzu Chi publishes its first monthly publication, “Tzu Chi Monthly.” (It reports news and reflections by volunteers engaged in disaster relief, medical outreach, character education, and more. It also includes the inspirational teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen.)

1969

First Winter Aid Distribution

In February, Tzu Chi holds its first Winter Distribution at Pu Ming Temple.

1972

Establishing the First Free Medical Clinic

In September, seeing widespread poverty and lack of resources for healthcare in Eastern Taiwan that often result in illness to worsen, Dharma Master Cheng Yen could not bear to see people suffer. Thus, she established a free clinic supported by many local healthcare professionals. It is until Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital established in 1986 that the free clinic runs twice a week and tours around the region regularly for 15 years. The free clinic served over 140,000 patients.

1973

First disaster relief effort after Typhoon Nala affects in Eastern Taiwan

In October, Typhoon Nala caused severe damage in Eastern Taiwan. Master Cheng Yen estimated the cost of relief work at NT$600,000 (about US$21,740), but Tzu Chi only had around NT$100,000 cash in hand. She mobilized all her members to conduct street fund-raising. The guiding principle for assessment, fund-raising, and distribution was a “human-centered approach.” This became the foundation of Tzu Chi's disaster relief for years to come.

1986

The Mission of Medicine is formally established as Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital begins operations.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen formally began the fund-raising campaign for a 600-bed hospital in a convention in Taipei in 1979. In 1986, the Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, a collective effort of all corners of society, began operations. It has lived up to the principle of a “human-centered approach”. It not only abolished the common practice of charging a deposit, but also helped under-served people to look for assistance from society. The management's efforts in upgrading the facilities and soft skills have improved health care in Eastern Taiwan.

1989

Tzu Chi College of Nursing established, and first Jing Si Aphorism book published.

To train compassionate and gentle healthcare professionals who see patients as members of their families, the Tzu Chi College of Nursing was established. This is the only privately owned nursing school in Taiwan that provides full scholarships. In 1996, the Ministry of Education granted the school permission to cancel tuition fees for local under-privileged aborigines. This fulfilled a promised to care for these aboriginal communities.
“Jing Si Aphorisms” was published. (The books of Master Cheng Yen's Jing Si Aphorisms transcend racial and religious barriers. They promote heart-to-heart dialogues. Through the efforts of Tzu Chi volunteers, they have reached schools, businesses, government agencies, military barracks, stores and every corner of society. They have become learning material for students' moral education, like running brooks that cleanse the minds of the business world, and the inspiration for self-examination and reflection for all human beings.)

1990

Environmental Protection - Master Calls on Volunteers to do Recycling

Dharma Master Cheng Yen gave a speech at Shin Min High School in Taichung and asked the audience to promote environmental conservation with their applauding hands. One attendee, Ms. Yang, immediately began a recycling program; she donated the money raised in the name of a “Tzu Chi Volunteer.” Since then, Tzu Chi volunteers have been earnestly practicing environmental protection.

1991

First International Relief in Bangalesh

In providing help to flood victims in Bangladesh in 1991, Tzu Chi marked the start of its international relief work.

1993

Tzu Chi Bone Marrow Registry is Established

Guided by the virtue taught in “the Sutra of Infinite Meanings,” Dharma Master Cheng Yen conducted nine months of research and analysis on the individual safety of a Bone Marrow Registry. After confirming that bone marrow transfer can save lives without harming the donor, she began to promote bone marrow donation. In September, with the support of Ministry of Health and Welfare and many hospitals, Tzu Chi established its Marrow Donor Registry.

1994

The Mission of Education is formally established with the founding of the Tzu Chi College of Medicine

Establishing “the Tzu Chi University College of Medicine,” Dharma Master Cheng Yen had the vision to train future health care workers with professional skills as well as wisdom and compassionate hearts. The “Silent Mentor” program is based on a human- centered approach and respecting life. The program is an implementation of Dharma Master Cheng Yen's teaching: “We don't own even our own body, just the right to use it.” The program is a milestone in Taiwan in the donation of body parts.

1996

Community Volunteerism - Restructuring of the volunteer system to create a support network within each neighborhood.

Typhoon Herb caused the worst flood in Taiwan in three decades. Tzu Chi volunteers followed the spirit of “first to arrive and last to leave,” and mobilized tens of thousands of people to do relief work for up to half a month after the disaster. In addition to calling people to “save the mountain, save the sea”, Dharma Master Cheng Yen also promoted “community volunteerism.” This involved a restructuring of the organization, to achieve the goal of “friendly neighborhood and mutual assistance.”

1998

The Mission of Humanistic Culture is officially established with the launch of Da Ai TV.

Da Ai TV Station was launched.
Published “Rhythms Monthly”. (a Chinese-language geographic magazine based in Taipei, Taiwan. Published in a format like the National Geographic Magazine, Rhythms Monthly reports on cultural, historical, environmental, and humanitarian themes, often from and for a Chinese perspective.)

1999

Tzu Chi mobilizes after major 921 Earthquake hits Taiwan, with emergency relief and mid- to long-term projects.

In March, Yuli Tzu Chi Hospital started operations. Its mission is to bring adequate healthcare to the community and safeguard the life and health of people living in remote areas.
In September, the 921 Earthquake caused severe damage to central Taiwan. Tzu Chi volunteers adhered to the spirit of “first to arrive and last to leave.” They mobilized over 20,000 volunteers for relief work and distributed NT$16 billion (about US$58 million) in disaster aid within two days. In the second phase of disaster relief, they focused on resettlement and emotional care. Tzu Chi built 1,636 temporary houses in 17 government-designated sites to settle displaced victims. During the third phase, Project Hope repaired and rebuilt 51 elementary and middle schools. In total, the foundation spent NT$8 billion (about US$29 million) on relief work.

2000

Tzu Chi Hospitals in Guanshan and Dalin begin operations; Tzu Chi Elementary School opens.

In March, Guanshan Tzu Chi Hospital began operations with the aim of bringing proper health care to the communities long affected by many high-speed traffic accidents. It developed an emergency facility built on a human-centered health care.
In August, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital began operations with the aim of bringing proper health care to aging communities. It developed a geriatrics facility based on human-centered health care.
Tzu Chi Elementary School opened. The Foundation completed the establishment of its education program, offering a well-rounded curriculum from kindergarten, elementary and middle school to high school, college, and graduate studies.

2001

"Spread Love Around the World" campaign formed in response to the September 11 attacks in the US.

The September 11 Attack in New York City shocked the world. Dharma Master Cheng Yen said at once: “Earth-Shattering Disasters Require World-Awakening Realizations” and mobilized volunteers to promote a “Spreading Love Around the World” campaign. Through street fund-raising, volunteers brought comfort to the communities affected. They diligently found ways to bring peace to them. On October 13, Tzu Chi held a first candlelight service in its Guandu Complex. It invited Christian, Muslim and Buddhist leaders and business leaders to pray for love and peace for the world. The ceremony was broadcast live by Da Ai TV Station to the world.

2003

Taiwan is hit by the SARS epidemic - Tzu Chi takes action and appeal for prayers and love from all.

During the SARS epidemic, Tzu Chi volunteers fully engaged in relief work for the victims. Dharma Master Cheng Yen urgently appealed to all people to be cautious, fearful and humble. She launched the "Spread Love Around the World - Working Together to Relieve the Epidemic" campaign, where volunteers went into the community to counsel people, implement sanitation efforts, epidemic prevention measures, and encourage people to fast, pray, and do good deeds. They did all this to eliminate natural and man-made disasters and diseases through the power of common goodness.

2005

Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital begins operations; Dharma Master Yin Shun passes away.

In May, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, the first hospital in Taiwan built to resist earthquakes, began operations.
In June, Venerable Dharma Master Yin Shun passed away at age 101. Dharma Master Cheng Yen felt that the master and apprentice had deep karmic affinities, because Tzu Chi's accomplishments of the previous 40 years were due to the master's instruction: “For Buddha's teachings, for all sentient beings.”

2006

Tzu Chi Celebrates 40th Anniversary, and establishes the Jing Si Dharma Lineage and Tzu Chi School of Buddhism.

In May, the Tzu Chi Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary. The UN consultant Dr. Zhu Zhao-Ji made a special trip to attend the meeting. On behalf of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, he read a letter of congratulations for the anniversary to Master Cheng Yen.
In December, the Tzu Chi Foundation held a staff retreat with the theme: “Passing on the Jing Si Dharma Lineage, Spreading the Tzu Chi School of Buddhism.” Dharma Master Cheng Yen encouraged her staff to pass on the spirit of discipline, diligence, frugality, and resilience: to walk into the community to give great love, inspire the kindness in everyone's heart, and realize the truth of Buddhism through giving.

2007

Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital starts operations; Master Cheng Yen calls for reducing our carbon footprint.

Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital started operation. It focused on preventive medicine, strengthening community interaction, promoting community outreach, and improving geriatrics and chronic disease care.
Climate change has accelerated and environmental disasters are becoming more frequent. Dharma Master Cheng Yen called for “Purifying Our Hearts to Reduce Earth's Fever”. She called on all to restrain our desires, to live in simplicity and reduce our carbon footprint.
On the second Sunday of May, the 3-in-1 festivals of “Mother's Day, Buddha Day, and Global Tzu Chi Day” are celebrated. They let more people know about this auspicious festival, whose profound meaning is to repay the grace of Buddha, the grace of parents, and the grace of sentient beings. At the same time, we can work together to cultivate the three great fields of “Respect, Grace, and Compassion.” Tzu Chi held a grand Buddha Bathing Ceremony at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei. About 20,000 people attended and watched the ceremony. In addition, Tzu Chi volunteers around the world held Buddha-bathing ceremonies at 242 locations in 24 countries and regions, with nearly 250,000 people participating.

2008

Tzu Chi gets approval to establish foundation in China; and disasters lead to daily prayer session for world peace.

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China announced that the Taiwan Tzu Chi Charity Foundation had been approved to establish a foundation in China. Tzu Chi is the first foundation to be legally represented by a non-mainland resident.
The Cyclone Nargis disaster in Myanmar and the Wenchuan Earthquake in Sichuan Province in Mainland China shocked the world. Dharma Master Cheng Yen initiated the “Tzu Chi Sichuan and Myanmar Disaster Relief Campaign” and fund-raising activities. Since then, Tzu Chi's global branches have prayed and blessed daily. This has become a regular activity. They have promoted fasting for environmental protection and to save the earth, to purify people's hearts, create a peaceful society, and reduce suffering in the world.
In view of the global impact of the food and financial crises, Dharma Master Cheng Yen put forward the idea of “From Austerity to Prosperity”. It focuses on spiritual abundance, returning to an ordinary life, diligence and pragmatism, and away from luxury. Tzu Chi promotes community charity surveys, care for families with sudden economic difficulties or children with difficulties in school and to accompany people through economic downturns.

2009

Master Cheng Yen Creates Cash-for-Work Program to Help Disaster Relief Survivors

Typhoon Morakot hit southern Taiwan severely. Dharma Master Cheng Yen created the “Cash-for-Work” model to allow survivors to gain dignity and discover love from self-help. At the same time, this would improve the effectiveness and quality of disaster relief. Since then, the “Cash-for-Work” model has also been used after Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines, a major earthquake in Haiti, and floods in Pakistan. Each time the model produced good results.
“Jing Si Aphorisms” has been published for 20 years and has profoundly influenced the world. This book is a collection of the wisdom of Dharma Master Cheng Yen. It combines religious beliefs with family and ethics, so that people can rediscover their belief in traditional values and rebuild relationships with others. More than 3.45 million copies have been printed, with collector's editions, children's editions, and comic editions. At present, in addition to the Chinese original, it has been translated into English, German, Japanese, French, Spanish, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and 10 other languages.

2010

ECOSOC grants Tzu Chi as NGO with Special Consultative Status

The Tzu Chi Foundation was approved by the State Council of the People's Republic of China and became the first national foundation established by an overseas non-profit organization. On August 20th, the Tzu Chi Foundation co-hosted the listing ceremony at Jing Si Books in Suzhou, China and held the first meeting of the board of directors.
Tzu Chi Foundation was awarded “NGO in Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC”. ECOSOC stands for United Nations Economic and Social Council.

2011

Tzu Chi Celebrates 45th Anniversary, Tzu Chi moblizes as first international NGO to bring relief after Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan

In celebrating Tzu Chi's 45th anniversary, Dharma Master Cheng Yen led her volunteers to study “Dharma as Water: A Commentary on the Compassionate Samadhi Water Repentance” through group studies, large ceremonies and fasting. She calls on her disciples to pay utmost respect to Mother Nature, to repent with sincerity and humble ourselves in front of climate changes. The initial phase of Repentance Dharma Door went on for over six months.
The Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused major devstation in which houses were destroyed, nuclear power plants were damaged, and oil refineries caught fire. Dharma Master Cheng Yen called on everyone to respect heaven and earth and repent with a humbler attitude. She instructed volunteers to form a disaster relief team; it was the first international NGO to reach the disaster area. From June to December, the Tzu Chi disaster relief team completed ten distributions, benefiting a total of 96,964 households and amounting to more than 5 billion Japanese Yen (about NT$2 billion).

2012

Campaign to promote "Eat Only 80% Full and Save 20% to Help Others"

During a visit in July, Dharma Master Cheng Yen said that the Buddha came to the world to teach the “Four Noble Truths” to all beings. Everyone has the buddha nature; it is only the troubles and ignorance we accumulate that block it. On entering Tzu Chi, one must learn to purify our mind with the Dharma and practice the bodhisattva way in our daily lives.
In response to Dharma Master Cheng Yen's call, the Foundation promoted the campaign of “Eating Only 80% Full and Using the 20% to Help Others”, and encouraged everyone to be kind and do good deeds. At meals, eat up to 80 percent of what you want and use the remaining 20 percent to help others.

2013

Tzu Chi signs first agreement to work with Vatican; and participates at COP19 as an observer for first time.

At her morning meetings, Dharma Master Cheng Yen preached the Lotus Sutra and described current events and stories of Tzu Chi volunteers serving society and practicing the Bodhisattva way, to explain the Buddha's teachings.
Tzu Chi and the Vatican's charity foundation signed a memorandum of collaboration on humanitarian relief and relief poverty at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
“The 19th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change/ 9th Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to Kyoto Protocol (UNFCCC COP19/CMP9)” was held in Warsaw, Poland in November. Tzu Chi participated in the meeting as an observer for the first time.

2014

Relief efforts for major gas explosion in Kaohsiung leads to identification of vulnerable groups in the community.

At the end of July, a major gas explosion struck Kaohsiung, the worst disaster in half a century since the development of the petrochemical industry in Taiwan. From the first day of the disaster until the following month, 40,000 Tzu Chi volunteers from across Taiwan joined to provide relief work with love and care. The level of mobilization was second only to the 921 Earthquake and Morakot Typhoon. The volunteers launched "Charity for All. Care for All" community canvassing to the neighborhoods directly and indirectly affected. Volunteers went door-to-door in 35 areas and visited more than 18,000 households, to show care for the residents affected by the disaster. This project also helped to identify the poor, sick, orphans, the elderly and other vulnerable groups hidden in the community who had not been discovered nor received help during previous relief efforts.

2015

Tzu Chi works with Caritas and Healey to assist Sierra Leone due to Ebola outbreak; Major 7.8 earthquake in Nepal leads to large-scale relief efforts.

The Ebola virus ravaged many countries in West Africa, causing the worst epidemic in the 40 years since the virus was discovered. In mid-March, Tzu Chi co-operated with Caritas Freetown and Healey International Relief Foundation to provide material assistance to the Republic of Sierra Leone.
In April, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, killing more than 8,800 people, and destroying 810,000 buildings. Tzu Chi dispatched a disaster relief medical team immediately after the disaster; a total of eleven teams were sent to the disaster area. They followed Tzu Chi's established disaster relief assistance plan developed after the 1993 flood relief in Nigeria. It started with emergency relief, then construction of temporary classrooms, followed by financial aid for students, construction of temporary housing, and permanent school buildings. Volunteers accompanied the victims of the disaster from the beginning till the end; they encouraged local medical professionals, students, young adults and merchants to join the relief work. They broke through barriers of race and class, guided the rich to provide necessities, and restored the dignity of those who suffered.

2016

Tzu Chi Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Tzu Chi celebrated its 50th anniversary and held a “Celebrating Tzu Chi's 50th Anniversary” Charity Concert in Jing Si Hall in Hualien. President Ma Ying-Jeou came to congratulate Dharma Master Cheng Yen and presented a plaque entitled “Compassionate Actions Around the World.” Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, David L. Myers, brought a letter of blessing and gratitude from President Barack Obama.

2017

Project Hope-Disaster Risk Reduction to repair schools in quake prone Eastern Taiwan; relief work following disasters in Philippines, USA, Sierra Leone, and Mexico.

In May, the opening ceremony of the Project Hope-Disaster Risk Reduction in Eastern Taiwan was held. Since 2014, Tzu Chi has helped to repair 26 schools in Taiwan.
In July, Tzu Chi assisted the Philippines in relief work after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake.
In August, after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in the United States, Tzu Chi provided relief to people affected. Volunteers carried out 34 distributions, and provided help to 13,862 households.
In August, Tzu Chi helped those affected by landslides and floods in Sierra Leone. They collaborated with Caritas Freetown and Healey International Relief Foundation to provide rice, eco blankets and medical aid to those in the disaster area.
In September, Tzu Chi helped in earthquake relief work in Mexico. They encouraged local residents to take part in relief work; they also held nine large-scale distributions and eight medical clinics. These benefited over 10,000 households and 4,500 patients in six regions, including Mexico City and Morelos State.
In October, volunteers helped in relief work during a wildfire in California, USA. Local Tzu Chi volunteers provided hot meals and debit cards to residents who took refuge in shelters.

2018

El Menahil School in Turkey for Syrian refugees given approval.

In February, volunteers help victims of the Hualien earthquake on February 6. They provided hot meals, eco blankets, Jing Si multi-functional Foldable beds and financial assistance.
Also in February, Tzu Chi volunteers conducted wildfire relief work in Portugal. Central and Northern Portugal had been ravaged by wildfires since June 2017. A Deputy of the Assembly of the Republic, Pedro Filipe dos Santos Alves, contacted the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center twice and requested assistance in relief work. Tzu Chi volunteers conducted assessment and distributions, followed by winter distributions the following year.
In July, Tzu Chi assisted in relief work after the breach of a dam in Attapeu Province, Laos. First, the Foundation sent volunteers from Thailand to conduct assessments; with the information they collected, they prepared instant rice and water purifiers for distributions. The next year they provided Jing Si multi-functional Foldable beds and eco blankets to support the Champasak Hospital and in August, they conducted three large-scale medical clinics.
In July, volunteers helped in earthquake relief work in Lombok, Indonesia. In September, in Sulawesi island, they conducted an assessment and provided hot meals, material aid and medical services. Tzu Chi also provided permanent homes for those affected by the disasters.
In November, the Ministry of National Education in Turkey approved the establishment of El Menahil, a school established by Tzu Chi and the government of the Sultangazi district of Istanbul.

2019

Tzu Chi carries out first relief work in Zambia; Tropical Cyclone Idai devastates east coast of Africa leading to mid-and long-term assistance.

In January, Douliou Tzu Chi Hospital opened, the seventh Tzu Chi hospital in Taiwan.
In March, volunteers helped to provide relief goods following a snow disaster in Qinghai, China.
Also in March, Tzu Chi carried out relief work to victims of Tropical Cyclone Idai in Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and then provided mid-and long-term assistance.
In April, Tzu Chi carried out its first relief work in Zambia, making it the ninth country in Africa to receive help from the foundation.
In August, volunteers assisted in relief work after a flood in Freetown, Sierra Leone. In collaboration with Caritas Freetown and Healey International Relief Foundation, Tzu Chi provided rice, eco blankets and other materials in Susan's Bay and Culvert community, Freetown, Sierra Leone. In mid-August, in collaboration with the Lanyi Foundation, volunteers provided hot meals for local residents. The Foundation conducted a global campaign “To Fill Africa with Love” to collect second-hand clothing for Sierra Leone.
In November, working with Caritas Freetown, Healey International Relief Foundation, and Lanyi Foundation, Tzu Chi conducted 18 distributions, which benefited 10,644 people.

2020

COVID-19 begins to spread, Tzu Chi sets up Command Center to provide relief for vulnerable families.

In late 2019, an unknown pneumonia was discovered in Wuhan, China; it turned out to be a new coronavirus. Within two months, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeded 10,000; spreading at a speed unseen before. On January 28, Tzu Chi set up a COVID-19 Command Center, and launched “Great Love in Action, Let Us Cultivate Blessings Together” to provide materials and relief targeting vulnerable families affected by the virus.

More than Half a Century of Compassion: The Story of Tzu Chi

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