In the hillside communities of Quilpue, Chile, the journey to school is often a muddy, rain-soaked challenge—especially for children from families struggling to make ends meet. For many, the lack of proper rain gear means missing days of class, falling behind, and facing an uncertain future. But a recent act of kindness has helped turn the tide, allowing these students to step into their classrooms with dry feet and renewed hope.

A Principal’s Plea for Her Students

Maragarita, principal of Colegio Siglo XXI in Quilpue, knows her students’ struggles intimately. “Ninety-one percent of our families are considered vulnerable,” she shared. “Most parents work as day laborers in construction. When it rains, many children simply can’t come to school—they live in muddy areas and don’t have raincoats or waterproof shoes. Even those who do come spend the day in wet clothes and shoes.”

Her heartfelt letter, delivered through the school’s taekwondo coach Jacqueline, reached Tzu Chi Chile's main contact person, Fernanda Wu (吳惠蘭), who remembered the devastation caused by wildfires in the region just a year before. That disaster had already brought the school and local volunteers together, forging a bond that would soon prove vital once again.

Responding to Urgent Needs

In February 2024, wildfires swept through central Chile, destroying thousands of homes and leaving over 50,000 people without shelter. Volunteers quickly organized a relief effort, bringing rice, noodles, lentils, bottled water, and shoes to 122 affected families at Colegio Siglo XXI. The journey from Santiago, usually an hour and a half, took five hours due to traffic, but the volunteers arrived determined to offer comfort and practical help.

This experience deepened the connection between the school and the volunteers. When Principal Maragarita later reached out for help with rain gear, the response was swift. Wu explained, “After the foundation received the principal’s request for rain gear, we immediately agreed without delay, because education is most important. If you don’t come to school, you won’t be able to transform your life.”

With the rainy season approaching, volunteers coordinated the purchase of 208 raincoats and 208 pairs of waterproof shoe covers, tailored to the students’ sizes. Chong-Ming Wu (吳崇銘), who had previously donated computers to special needs students during the pandemic, generously sponsored the rain gear. “Helping these children is something I can do,” he said. “Education is about more than financial aid—it’s about giving children the confidence and skills to change their lives.”

A Day of Hope and Gratitude

On July 17, volunteers arrived at the school’s library, sorting the rain gear by size and preparing for a small ceremony. Although the school has 250 students from kindergarten to eighth grade, only 24 student representatives could attend due to class schedules. Eighty percent of the students were from families affected by last year’s wildfires.

Principal Maragarita expressed her deep gratitude: “Our school has a 24-year history, but we are in a very poor area. Ninety-two percent of our students’ families are classified as impoverished. Many children live in the hills, and when it rains, the mud makes it almost impossible to get to school. On rainy days, absenteeism is high because children have no dry clothes to change into. Thanks to this donation, our students won’t have to miss school when it rains.”

“These friends come from Asia—a place so far away it takes about 36 hours by plane. They live in Chile now and have a foundation dedicated to helping those in need. When I told them our children couldn’t come to school because of the rain, they responded immediately.”
Principal Maragarita, Colegio Siglo XXI

Coach Jacqueline, now a volunteer herself, added, “I’m so happy we can help so many children today. The rain gear will keep them dry and able to learn.”

Empowering Students to Dream

Volunteer In-Lin Yang encouraged the students: “We brought raincoats and shoe covers so you can keep learning, even when it rains. Focus on your studies, build your skills, and you’ll be able to help your families and create a brighter future.”

“Education is the way out of poverty. If you want to change your life, you must come to school and learn. That’s the essential condition.”
Fernanda Wu, Tzu Chi Chile main contact person

When the rain gear was distributed, students eagerly tried on their new raincoats and covers. “They look great and will protect the children,” Principal Maragarita said. “This is a wonderful gift. Thank you, on behalf of myself and all the children.”

Children’s Voices: The Impact of a Simple Gift

Students shared their thoughts with the volunteers. One girl said, “It’s beautiful—I love it.” Another added, “With this rain gear, I won’t have to worry about rainy days anymore.”

A seventh grader remarked, “The raincoat looks cool and keeps me warm. It’s a great idea—it will help us come to school more often during the rainy season.” Another student said, “These raincoats help us stay dry and learn more, just like you said—education can help us escape poverty.”

A fourth grader, who never misses class, said, “When it rains, many students don’t come to school, but I never miss a day.” Volunteers praised his dedication as a model for others.

A Bridge of Love and Encouragement

After the ceremony, volunteers toured the school with Coach Jacqueline, visiting classrooms, the library, counseling room, playground, and more. The youngest children greeted the visitors with warmth, holding hands and playing together in the courtyard. As the visit ended, there were hugs and reluctant goodbyes.

Education is more than a path to personal success—it can transform families and entire communities. In the muddy hills of Chile, a group of children now walk to school with dry feet and hopeful hearts, thanks to a bridge of compassion built by those who care. For the students of Colegio Siglo XXI, the future is a little brighter, no matter the weather.

Written by Fernanda Wu (吳惠蘭), Hsiu-Lien Chu (朱秀蓮)

Source: 智利慈濟寒冬送雨具 助貧困學童安心就學