In the rural landscapes of Bodh Gaya, India, a simple pair of school shoes can be an unattainable luxury for many children. This lack of proper footwear often leads to discomfort, vulnerability to injury, and irregular school attendance, hindering their educational journey. Recognizing this critical barrier, Tzu Chi Foundation volunteers in Bodh Gaya stepped in to provide “blessings for the feet,” aiming to ensure these students can attend school comfortably and confidently.
A journey to Cami Julis School
On the morning of August 2, 2025, a team led by Khoo Kean Yee (邱建義), Tzu Chi’s team leader for operations in Bodh Gaya, along with twenty local work-relief staff and international volunteers, embarked on a journey to Cami Julis School in Itara Cherki. This school, established 25 years ago with support from a Swiss non-profit, is the sole educational institution in the area, serving approximately 700 students from kindergarten to tenth grade.
The initiative to provide shoes was sparked by a report from local trainee volunteer Amit Singh, who highlighted that most students from very poor farming families, typically wore only slippers. This left their feet exposed and often led to them missing school. Despite sudden heavy rain that turned the roads muddy and challenging, the volunteers remained determined, eager to deliver the shoes and foster a love for learning among the students.
Upon their arrival, the volunteers were greeted by a vibrant scene: red and white brick walls, lush trees, and blooming flowers. Students lined the path, applauding as School Board Secretary Rajesh Kumar welcomed Khoo Kean Yee and the international volunteers. The students presented flower garlands, a traditional gesture of welcome.
Gratitude and renewed hope
Rajesh Kumar shared his appreciation, recalling his first encounter with Tzu Chi volunteers two years prior during a Buddha Bathing ceremony at the Mahabodhi Temple. He had learned about their charitable activities in Bodh Gaya, including assistance for the poor and sick, and vocational training for women.
Thank you for coming today to give shoes to our students. Most of our students come from rural areas, and their families cannot afford school shoes. They wear slippers, which offer limited protection for their feet and affect their attendance. Now that they have received these shoes, they can come to school every day. I sincerely thank the Tzu Chi Foundation.
—Rajesh Kumar
Following his remarks, students from Tzu Chi’s vocational training center in Bodh Gaya performed a short play about the “Bamboo Bank Era.” This performance illustrated how saving even a small amount, like fifty cents a day, can accumulate into significant aid for others, conveying the message that “small change can do great good.” The young audience, seated on the ground, watched with bright, curious eyes, their innocent faces reflecting a mix of amusement and contemplation.
Before the distribution, Khoo Kean Yee addressed the students, guiding them to express gratitude to their teachers, who patiently give guidance and impart knowledge to them. After local volunteer Rozi Parween translated his words into Hindi, applause filled the air.
Khoo Kean Yee also expressed great respect toward the rural teachers who choose to serve in remote villages. “I believe from the ‘Bamboo Bank Era’ play, everyone understands that Tzu Chi started with just fifty cents. Today, it has expanded its relief efforts to 136 countries and regions worldwide, all because of ‘Great Love.’” He encouraged the students to share the “Bamboo Bank Era” story with their families and friends, allowing the concept of compassion to spread.
The shoes given to you today come from this great love. Besides you, Tzu Chi also helps many other people in need around the world. This is the spirit of Tzu Chi volunteers and Tzu Chi people—‘Great Love.’
A step towards a brighter future
As the distribution began, heavy rain poured, prompting students to return to their classrooms. Khoo Kean Yee instructed the team to expedite the process, and volunteers quickly adapted, continuing the distribution in the classroom corridors. Teachers from each class assisted in guiding students, ensuring an orderly and successful distribution.
Chandan Kumar, a sixth-grade student, expressed his joy. “Today, representatives from the Tzu Chi Foundation came to our school to give us shoes, and I am very happy. Before, I always wore slippers to class, and the roads were full of gravel and mud, making my feet dirty and sore. Now with these shoes, that problem is gone.” He vowed to wear his new shoes to school every day and study diligently. “The older brothers and sisters performed a play about saving money in a bamboo bank, and I learned that even poor people can help others; it’s not just for the rich.” He plans to start saving his own small change and ask his teacher to help him use it to assist others.
Sumit Kumar, a seventh-grade student from a distant rural village, shared that while the school provided notebooks, pens, and sports equipment, his long walk to school in slippers was always uncomfortable. “Today, the Tzu Chi Foundation came to our school to give us school shoes, and I am truly happy. I will definitely wear them to school. Thank you, Tzu Chi.”
Due to limited sizes, 553 pairs of shoes were distributed to elementary and middle school students, with kindergarteners unfortunately not receiving any. Rajesh Kumar stated that the school board would discuss purchasing socks for the younger children.
Beyond providing footwear, these school shoes offer students improved hygiene and protection. More importantly, they are expected to significantly boost school attendance, allowing children to benefit from education and, one day, transform their lives, fostering a cycle of compassion and self-reliance.
Written by Ho Sook Yin (何淑賢)
Source: 印度偏鄉發放校鞋 助學童安心上學
