By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, D.S.
On July 29, the Sierra Leone branch of the Tzu Chi Foundation hosted a significant training session for 40 volunteers at the Pre-School Center in St. Edward’s Compound. This event aimed to enhance understanding and commitment to Tzu Chi’s mission of compassion, service, and ethical living.
The training, led by Brother Ishmeal Alfred Charles and facilitated by Sister Margaret Bessie, centered on the theme “Understanding the Organization’s Mission and Spirit.” Participants engaged in a rich blend of philosophical grounding, practical guidance, and spiritual reflection, focused on Tzu Chi’s four major missions: Charity, Medicine, Education, and Humanistic Culture.
A highlight of the day was a recorded video message from Brother Johan, who shared insights into Tzu Chi’s ongoing humanitarian efforts in Sierra Leone. He emphasized the transformative power of compassionate service, stating, “The joy is in the smile of the people we serve.”
Volunteers were introduced to Tzu Chi’s origins, founded by Master Cheng Yen in Taiwan in 1966, and its guiding philosophy: “Help the poor and educate the rich.” The Tzu Chi logo, representing purity, compassion, and dedication, was also explained.
The training included several key areas:
- Core Values & Etiquette: Emphasizing humility in service, respectful communication, and modest attire, with Sister Margaret demonstrating the Tzu Chi uniform.
- Mission-Based Modules: Covering home visit practices under the Charity mission, youth character education in the Education mission, and ethical environmental practices such as recycling and vegetarianism.
- Spiritual Practice: Incorporating daily Dharma reflections and Jing Si aphorisms to build inner strength and mindfulness in service.
Participants also learned about the structure of Tzu Chi volunteer development, from General Volunteers to Certified Commissioners and Dharma Volunteers, along with ongoing support available through mentorship and evaluation.
The session concluded with personal testimonies from volunteers. A particularly moving story came from a Rokel volunteer who received life-saving support from Tzu Chi members during a period of illness. Their assistance—providing food, a blanket, and emotional encouragement—reinforced the organization’s deep sense of community.
Photos from recent fieldwork and humanitarian aid missions were displayed throughout the training, visually reinforcing the impact of collective action guided by love and wisdom.
Organizers recognized the need for continued training in practical areas such as first aid, disaster relief, and media documentation. Plans are underway to schedule additional training sessions and improve access to volunteer uniforms and equipment.
“A Bodhisattva does not wait for a perfect world to begin serving,” Brother Charles remarked in his closing address. “A Bodhisattva steps forward, even amidst chaos, with a calm heart and helping hands.”
With a renewed sense of purpose and unity, the volunteers left ready to carry Tzu Chi’s mission forward, one act of compassion at a time.
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