By Ching-ju Lin, Hsiu-Lien Chu, Nawuth | Central America
Despite the end of diplomatic ties between Honduras and Taiwan since 2023, Tzu Chi volunteers have continued their unwavering charitable efforts in the region. From June 26 to July 6, 2024, a dedicated team of 226 volunteers embarked on a mission to distribute rice to impoverished communities in San Jose, Pimienta, Llanos de Sula, and El Pedregal, benefiting 906 individuals.
Ensuring Safety and Care
LEFT: Local volunteers warmly greeted the villagers and carefully verified their identification. | Photo by Ching-ju Lin RIGHT: To ensure the safety of the volunteers during the distribution, the team requested protection from the local police. The volunteers are deeply grateful to the police for always being their best support. | Photo by Nawuth
On June 26, volunteers arrived in San Jose, where 200 households were registered to receive rice. With 33 volunteers assisting, local police were present to ensure the safety of both the volunteers and the rice distribution. Volunteer Rosa’s husband, Fidel, was among the first to arrive, ready to help unload the rice.
Amid the intense heat, volunteers arranged for recipients to wait under the shade of large trees, prioritizing seating for the elderly, pregnant women, and mothers with children. The rice distribution was carried out in two sessions, with local volunteers warmly welcoming community members and carefully verifying their identities.
Before the distribution, volunteers shared the origins of Tzu Chi and the spirit of the Bamboo Bank Era, emphasizing that small contributions can collectively make a significant impact. They explained that the rice came from Taiwan, a symbol of how even those from across the globe were thinking of them. Volunteers also highlighted Tzu Chi’s efforts in Turkey, where they help Syrian refugees receive education, transforming hatred into love. Similarly, in Honduras, Tzu Chi assists underprivileged families and helps undocumented children access education.
The community listened attentively and responded with enthusiasm. One participant, a student of Tzu Chi’s Jing Si Aphorism classes, expressed gratitude for learning the importance of sharing and felt blessed to contribute to others. Inspired by the volunteers, many community members, despite their own poverty, eagerly sought ways to give back.
LEFT: From June 26 to July 6, 2024, Tzu Chi volunteers in Honduras mobilized 226 volunteer shifts to distribute rice in the communities of San Jose, Pimienta, Llanos de Sula, and El Pedregal, benefiting 906 people in total. During the distribution, volunteers respectfully bowed, expressing their gratitude, respect, and love to the villagers through their actions. RIGHT: The villagers attentively listened to the volunteers' sharing of love and compassion. Even the police officer in charge of protecting the volunteers was drawn in and listened intently for a long time. | Photos by Ching-ju Lin | Honduras | 2024
With limited seating, volunteers prioritized the elderly, women, and children. The community listened intently to the volunteers’ messages, and even the police officers protecting the volunteers were curious and engaged. Volunteers also took the opportunity to educate the community on the importance of vegetarianism from environmental, health, and ethical perspectives, encouraging everyone to adopt a compassionate lifestyle.
Inspiring Generosity Among the Poor
LEFT: On June 28, 42 volunteers went to Pimienta community to conduct assessments for the rice distribution. The volunteers warmly greeted the villagers, carefully assessed their situation, and embodied the Tzu Chi spirit of gratitude, respect, and love. | Photo by Jose | Honduras | 2024/06/28 RIGHT: Local volunteer Elvia, over 80 years old (fifth from the right in a volunteer vest), and her two daughters are all dedicated volunteers. During the rice distribution, she persisted from start to finish, demonstrating admirable spirit. | Photo by Nawuth
On June 28, the team continued their work in Pimienta, where 42 volunteers participated in registering households for rice distribution. Volunteer Ching-ju Lin organized the teams, explained the assessment procedures, and reminded everyone of Tzu Chi’s core values. Once again, local police ensured a smooth and safe distribution.
Despite the summer heat, the volunteers were greeted with warmth as they checked on the living conditions of the community members. For some, sharing the stresses of their lives brought them to tears, but with the volunteers’ encouragement, their smiles returned.
Children who had attended Jing Si Aphorism classes recalled the lesson that 2,500 animals are consumed every second by humans. Inspired by this message, many pledged to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, deeply touching the volunteers. One participant, after filling her bamboo bank, expressed her desire to become a volunteer, further encouraging the team and affirming the impact of Tzu Chi’s teachings.
Through the volunteers’ efforts, 250 households were registered between 9 AM and 2 PM, with local volunteers embodying Tzu Chi’s values of gratitude, respect, and love.
Gratitude, Respect, and Love in Action
LEFT: Before the July 1 distribution in Pimienta, local volunteer Allan Vasquez (right) gave a briefing, ensuring all volunteers were clear about their tasks for the day and emphasizing the importance of fully embodying the Tzu Chi spirit, with everything being orderly and well-organized. | Photo by Ching-ju Lin | Honduras | 2024/06 RIGHT: On July 6, volunteers went to Llanos de Sula and El Pedregal communities to distribute rice. The volunteers worked in harmony, passing the rice from the trucks to the distribution site in a coordinated manner. | Photo by of Ching-ju Lin | Honduras | 2024/07/06
On July 1, the volunteers returned to Pimienta. Local volunteer Alan Vasquez ensured everyone was prepared for the day’s tasks. The experienced team efficiently managed the registration and verification process, welcoming the community with heartfelt care. Young volunteer Max Silva Sosa was especially attentive to elderly attendees, while 80-year-old Elvia and her two daughters worked tirelessly, distributing rice and inspiring everyone with their dedication.
The community responded with cooperation, and the two-session distribution proceeded smoothly.
On July 6, the mission reached Llanos de Sula and El Pedregal. Volunteers worked united, forming a human chain to unload and distribute the rice. Their mindful care and organization inspired the community to reciprocate the love they received with small donations, spreading kindness in return.
As Master Cheng Yen often says, “Wherever Tzu Chi volunteers can reach, see, and extend their hands, that place will be blessed. With more bodhisattvas in the world, there will be more blessings; accumulating everyone’s blessings will create opportunities to avert disasters.” May the future of the Honduran community be bright and prosperous.
