By Yueh-Hsien Huang, You-Yi Huang, and Yu-Mei Kao
Education as a Beacon of Hope
Amidst the tumultuous aftermath of war, two Syrian volunteers, Aygul Barts and Hidir Altaleb, found solace and purpose in Türkiye. As refugees themselves, they have dedicated their lives to nurturing Syrian children, embodying Tzu Chi’s values of love and compassion.
Aygul, a former teacher in Syria, fled to Türkiye in 2016. She discovered El Menahil International School in 2017 and became a supervisor and teacher for its elementary division. Over the past eight years, Aygul has embraced Tzu Chi’s values by participating in fundraising, distributions, and educational outreach. Her journey took a significant turn in 2023 when she visited Taiwan with El Menahil educational exchange team. Meeting Master Cheng Yen deeply inspired her, and in 2024, she received her certification as a Tzu Chi commissioner.
Passionate about bridging cultures, Aygul shares Tzu Chi’s philosophy with the Islamic community, emphasizing the alignment between universal love and Islamic teachings of peace. She aspires to return to Syria one day, spreading Tzu Chi’s spirit of love across her homeland, believing that love and compassion transcend religious and cultural boundaries.
Transforming Lives through Education
Hidir Altaleb’s journey is equally inspiring. Fleeing the Syrian civil war, he and his family sought refuge in Türkiye. Despite the hardships, Hidir found hope in El Menahil International School, where he has worked for seven years. Initially skeptical, Hidir’s doubts were dispelled when he met Tzu Chi volunteer Faisal Hu, who spoke Arabic and shared stories of Master Cheng Yen’s compassion.
Hidir’s involvement with Tzu Chi deepened as he participated in distributions. He was moved by the meticulous care and humility with which Tzu Chi volunteers served disaster survivors. This experience transformed him, and he now plays a vital role in planning and executing distribution efforts, ensuring high-quality aid reaches those in need.
In 2023, Hidir joined a 20-day distribution tour, witnessing firsthand the immense dedication and love that drives Tzu Chi’s humanitarian efforts. He recalls the harrowing experiences of Syrian refugees, including a girl who survived a bombing that killed her best friend. This girl’s determination to become a healthcare worker inspired Hidir’s resolve to instill Tzu Chi’s values in the children he teaches.
A Vow to Spread Love
At the global Tzu Chi volunteers’ certification ceremony on December 11, Hidir stood before Master Cheng Yen and made a sincere vow. He pledged to continue educating Syrian children with kindness and compassion, nurturing their potential and preparing them to spread Tzu Chi’s message of love when they return to Syria.
Master Cheng Yen’s teachings resonate deeply with Hidir and Aygul. Despite the challenges, Aygul and Hidir, they believe that great love is a selfless, limitless force that transcends race and religion, fostering equality and respect for all life. They are determined to advance Tzu Chi’s goal of creating a borderless world united by love.
Through education and compassion, Aygul and Hidir are sowing seeds of love that will grow far beyond the classrooms of Türkiye. Their dedication exemplifies Tzu Chi’s vision of a borderless world united by love, where healing and hope transcend the boundaries of race, religion, and nationality.
