A season of reflection and compassion

Ramadan is the most significant month of the year for Muslims, a time for fasting, prayer, and acts of charity to purify the soul and show concern for those in need. This spirit of giving mirrors the traditions of the Lunar New Year in Chinese culture, where communities come together to offer blessings and support. By organizing this distribution during Ramadan, Tzu Chi volunteers sought to bridge different cultures and faiths through the universal language of kindness.

The event took place at Tzu Chi's El Menahil International School, where Principal Munir welcomed the families. He emphasized that the gathering was more than just a distribution of resources; it was an opportunity for mutual recognition and care. He reminded those present that the warmth of society comes from the contributions of every individual, noting that even small acts of goodwill can bring hope to others.

The hand that gives is better than the hand that takes. Today, you receive help, but in the future, when you have the capacity, you too can become those who give, allowing the power of goodness to continue in society.
—Munir, Principal of El Menahil School

Seeds of love from afar

Tzu Chi volunteer Faisal Hu (胡光中) shared that the assistance provided was made possible by the long-term dedication of countless individuals in Taiwan and around the world. These donors, many of whom have never met the recipients, turned their compassion into action to support families living thousands of miles away.

Hu expressed his hope that this event would plant a "seed of love" in every heart. By experiencing this care, recipients might feel inspired to pass that kindness along to others when their own circumstances improve.

Volunteer Nadia Chou (周如意) further explained the "Bamboo Bank" spirit advocated by Dharma Master Cheng Yen. She recounted how Tzu Chi began decades ago with thirty housewives saving just fifty cents a day in bamboo coin banks. This practice serves as a reminder to nurture a thought of kindness every day.

Goodness can start from very small things in life—a smile, a warm greeting, or a simple hello can be the starting point. When we are willing to give kindness to others, the universe responds in kind, creating a cycle of benevolent energy that flows between people.
— Nadia Chou, Tzu Chi Volunteer

A tradition of giving back

The distribution was supported by the staff and students of El Menahil. Principal Munir, Director of Education Riyadh, and numerous teachers worked alongside volunteers to ensure the process was smooth and respectful.

Notably, several former students who had graduated from El Menahil returned to their campus to join the volunteer ranks. For these young adults, participating was not just a service but a continuation of the care they once received as students. They have now become the ones extending a helping hand to their community.

As families received their cash cards, many left with smiles of gratitude. Some stopped by the large symbolic bamboo banks at the venue to drop in their own spare change. The sound of coins falling into the containers served as a reminder that even those receiving help can contribute to the collective well-being of others. This small gesture symbolizes the closing of a circle—where those helped today become the helpers of tomorrow.

Written by Nadia Chou (周如意)