By Su-Yang Hung 

Experiencing the Challenges of Repair Work 

“I saw an elderly volunteer yesterday, covered in mud from head to toe, with dirt-streaked clothes,” recalled Fang-Yi Wei (韋芳逸), a young volunteer participating in the "0121 Chiayi Earthquake Relief and Repairs Project." Watching the older volunteers, some with gray hair and hunched backs, diligently repairing walls and painting, left a deep impression on Fang-Yi. “They’re truly remarkable!” 

For the first time, Fang-Yi donned a construction helmet and joined the third repair team in Nansi, Tainan, from February 25 to 26, 2025. The experience quickly taught her that repair work is far more difficult than she imagined. 

Learning by Doing 

Unlike the previous two teams, which were primarily composed of experienced older volunteers skilled in construction, this team welcomed some younger participants. In addition to Fang-Yi, Tzu Ching youth alumnus Ya-Chun Cheng (鄭雅筠) also joined for the first time. Driving from Pingtung early in the morning, Ya-Yun was eager to experience and learn hands-on repair work after previously only seeing it covered on Da Ai TV. 

Both young volunteers were invited by senior Tzu Chi volunteer Yu-Ching Wang (王郁清) from Taichung. Ya-Yun, a Tzu Chi University graduate in mass communication, developed a close bond with Yu-Ching during her studies, even calling her “Mom.” This special relationship continued long after her university days. 

Hands-on Lessons in Repair 

On February 26, Ya-Chun and Fang-Yi worked on a home near Shuiku Road, where the kitchen tiles, bathroom walls, and multiple areas on the second and third floors were severely cracked. Though the home was classified as a "minor damage" case by professional inspectors, the repairs were still significant. Equipped with gloves and scrapers, the two young volunteers worked alongside volunteer Su Tsai (蔡素). Under the guidance of skilled worker Sheng Pan (潘勝), they filled tile gaps and completed final polishing tasks. 

Initially clumsy, the young volunteers improved through careful observation and persistence. By the end of the morning, they had the technique down. For hours, they knelt to fill and polish tiles, never once complaining. Ya-Chun shared that under Su Tsai’s guidance, she not only learned tiling skills but also felt a sense of fulfillment in helping restore homes for disaster survivors. 

In the afternoon, the pair assisted with building a sloped walkway in front of the house. Their tasks included carrying water buckets and cleaning tools. Impressed by their dedication, Su Tsai gently reminded them to take care of their health and not overwork themselves. When asked if she had learned anything, Fang-Yi replied confidently, “I’ve picked up a bit—next time, I’ll do even better!” 

Overcoming Challenges, Building Resilience 

Professional tiler Sheng Pan, who started his trade as an apprentice at 17, brought over 40 years of expertise to the repair work. A resident of Taiping, Taichung, Sheng witnessed the devastation of the 921 Earthquake, leaving a lasting impression on him. Inspired by Tzu Chi’s efforts to rebuild homes and lives, Sheng and his wife Su Tsai became certified Tzu Chi volunteers. 

Despite facing health challenges, including two minor strokes, spinal issues, and knee pain, Sheng remains committed to repair missions. For Sheng, tiling floors while kneeling or bending for long periods is physically taxing. Yet, he considers the work therapeutic, treating it as a form of rehabilitation. Su Tsai admires her husband’s determination, saying, “We must seize every opportunity to help because life is unpredictable. Master Cheng Yen's teachings remind us that urgent tasks should be done without delay.” 

Planting Seeds of Hope 

For young volunteers like Fang-Yi and Ya-Chun, these two days of repair work allowed them to not only learn valuable skills but also inspired deeper empathy toward the resilience of disaster survivors. Observing the dedication of senior volunteers like Sheng and Su, they have gained a newfound respect for the spirit of unwavering service.

Repairing homes is hard work, but it is also a labor of love and solidarity. The combined efforts of experienced hands and youthful energy are weaving hope into every crack repaired and every wall restored, creating a brighter future for disaster survivors.