Hsiu-Lien Chu, Ching-Ju LIn, and Li-Kai Yang | Central America

Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, spans an area of approximately 130,373 square kilometers, and has a population of around 6.8 million. The country's average income is relatively low, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line. Nicaragua faces several challenges, including economic difficulties, environmental concerns, and social issues such as poverty and limited access to education and healthcare.

With few Tzu Chi volunteers in Nicaragua, they focus their work mainly on charitable care and teaching Jing Si Aphorisms. For charity, they provide support for the elderly and the vulnerable, while Jing Si Aphorism teachings are a way to foster children's character development and positively influence their families.

Jing Si Aphorism Teachings: Subtly Cultivating Humanity

In Guadalupe, children who participate in Jing Si Aphorism classes have begun taking the initiative to clean their surroundings. Their proactiveness not only gives volunteers a sense of fulfillment but also demonstrates the effectiveness of Jing Si Aphorisms. Eliza, who had to pause her attendance due to family matters, has joyfully resumed classes and now assists in encouraging other children to join. Sixteen-year-old volunteer Geoconda, responsible for teaching Jing Si Aphorisms in Timal, has conquered her fear of public speaking, embodying the dedication and enthusiasm of Tzu Chi volunteers.

LEFT: In each Jing Si Aphorism class, teachers teach with dedication and volunteers guide diligently, gradually influencing both adults and children to exhibit the demeanor of bodhisattvas.  RIGHT: Through Jing Si Aphorism teachings, the children have learned to sit straight and stand upright. | Photo courtesy of Yoseling | Nicaragua | 2024

Since November 2023, volunteers have introduced Jing Si Aphorism teachings to the Bocana community. Initially, children struggled to concentrate, prompting volunteers to use cartoons to engage them and introduce concepts such as vegetarianism and environmental protection. Over several the course of months, the children's behavior has shown significant improvement. Volunteers now have growing confidence in imparting the teachings of the Three Acts of Goodness — speaking good words, doing good deeds, and thinking good thoughts. They also teach the children the Four Postures of walking, standing, sitting, and lying down. They hope these teachings will instill positive values in the children as they grow up.

One of the model students is eight-year-old, Mateo, who always takes the initiative to remind other kids to attend class. He actively participates in class discussions and answers the teacher's questions, which encourages other children to also engage seriously in the lessons and bravely express themselves. However, volunteers noticed that Mateo always came to class in ragged clothes and without shoes. Upon inquiry, they learned that due to his family's poverty, his shoes were worn out, and they couldn't afford to buy new ones. Seeing this, the volunteers began a fundraising campaign to buy clothes and shoes for Mateo and his family.

Changing Lives with Compassion

Volunteers deliver supplies to Mr. Gregorio (right), who is grateful for the care from Master Cheng Yen and the volunteers. Since Tzu Chi volunteers appeared, he has found warmth and love in his life. (In the foreground on the left is volunteer Geoconda, who has been teaching Jing Si Aphorism classes in Timal since January). | Photo courtesy of Yoseling | Nicaragua | 2024

Since Tzu Chi volunteers began caring for Mr. Gregorio, his health has improved significantly, and he no longer complains about life. Gratefully, he said, "Tzu Chi volunteers have brought love and warmth into my life, like a lamp lighting up the darkness." Volunteers feel deeply encouraged by his progress.

Junior was diagnosed with a serious illness as a child, and doctors predicted he wouldn't live long. However, thanks to the meticulous care of his mother, Yadira, he has now reached the age of 27. | Photo courtesy of Jing-Ru Lin | Nicaragua | 2024


Junior, who has suffered from illness since childhood, faces challenges due to inadequate medical resources in Nicaragua. Despite healthcare being free, services are often inadequate, medicines are frequently unavailable, and appointments are delayed for months. Junior's mother, Yadira, has devotedly cared for him, while her partner Gerald has generously taken on Junior's medical expenses as his own. Gerald earns a living through fishing, and Yadira supplements their income by washing clothes for others. Despite their financial constraints and Junior's substantial medical needs, the family remains tightly knit and filled with love.

Dedicated Teaching and Enthusiastic Learning

In March, volunteers in six communities in Managua assisted 652 people; in April, with increased volunteer participation, 894 people were served. More parents are now attending classes and embracing the teachings of the Three Acts of Goodness and the Four Postures. Teachers and volunteers are working diligently, and both adults and children are starting to adopt these teachings into their lives.

LEFT: In April, volunteers noticed a gradual increase in the number of parents and children participating in the Jing Si Aphorism classes. They also showed great appreciation for the "Three Acts of Goodness" and the "Four Postures." | Photo courtesy of Yoseling | Nicaragua | 2024/04 RIGHT: Tzu Chi members, alongside local Nicaraguan volunteers, are walking the path of goodness. During each visit, they attentively observe the needs of the care recipients, gradually building a trusting bond and bringing warmth and hope to their days. | Photo courtesy of Sebastian | Nicaragua | 2024

Children in the Bendicion de Dios community are actively engaging in class discussions, particularly notable given the higher literacy rates there. They demonstrate focus while reading Jing Si Aphorisms, showing attentiveness and proper posture, which inspires volunteers with hope to nurture more promising individuals.

One volunteer who has earned the admiration of other fellow volunteers is Maria. Despite living more than two hours away from the capital, Managua, she still makes occasional journeys to join Tzu Chi activities. The effects of teaching Jing Si Aphorisms in Timal to the children is what gives her motivation to continue making these long trips to help the community.

Tzu Chi volunteers in Nicaragua exemplify compassion and dedication, transforming lives through education and charitable care. Their efforts uplift communities and instill hope and positive values in children and families. Through their ongoing commitment, they illuminate paths to a brighter future for those in need across Nicaragua.