After 9 years of serving and making a difference in Zamboanga City and neighboring areas in its mission of Medicine, Relief and Charity; Tzu Chi Zamboanga finally collected it’s strength and pursued the last of the 4 Tzu Chi’s mission; which is education. It did this sans fanfare but with a lot of hard work by adopting a run-down public elementary school located in a mountainous area accessible only during good weather because of its unpaved, rocky/muddy, steep and narrow roads. Located just a few steps away from the city’s protected watershed, the MURUK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is a home to 62 students. Most of them, children of marginal farmers who need to trek by foot for hours just to get an education inspite of poverty and lack of money for school bags, shoes and even school bags. Symptomatic of the state of public schools in the Philippines, the elementary suffered from lack of maintenance, lack of facilities, no library books, no school supplies, inadequate benches among others that contribute to the sad state of public education in the Philippines. But one thing that binds them all is that most have dedicated and loving teachers working against all odds in try their best in imparting knowledge and HOPE to the equally eager to learn students.

It all started when a Tzu Chi Zamboanga Volunteer opted to donate to Tzu Chi money intended for her birthday party with suggestion that Tzu Chi to give school bags and supplies to poor students. While looking for a deserving public school and as if on cue, a former Tzu Chi medical and charity care recipient Mr. Joseph Garcia (a school principal) visited Tzu Chi office with his tale of woe! He sadly recounted the sad plight of his elementary school. Right then and there, it was decided that we will visit his school to conduct a survey.

After two postponements due to bad weather and overcoming challenges in getting there, we finally arrived at the school site. In just a few minutes, we realized that it will take more than just a donation of school bags and supplies if we really want to make a difference. Initial need includes replacing the termite infected classrooms walls, lighting fixtures and accompanying electrical connections, blackboards and benches. During the visit we were excitedly greeted by the teachers, parents and the students as if we were there to answer their prayers. Not wanting to dampen their hopes, we promised our best efforts in turning the school around but would they their SWEAT EQUITY and COOPERATION to make it a reality. The parents readily volunteered to share the workload.

A week after our initial visit we sent plywood and other construction supplies needed to repair the classrooms. Upon completion of the repair, we sent the electrical lighting fixtures and supplies. This work was completed by the parents and teachers in no time at all. Inspired by the show of cooperation, we sent gallons of paint for repainting. In less than one month, all the identified tasks were completed.

With the repair, electrical and repainting works completed, Tzu Chi volunteers immediately seek professional advice on how we can make a difference in our adopted school. It was decided that we need to add/replace the small blackboards in the classrooms with bigger ones, donate school chairs with sidearms, TV and DVD player for instructional purposes, A set of Knowledge channel DVD’s for elementary students (subjects ranging from Math, English, History, Science and Value formation), a desktop computer aside from the school bags and school supplies. As we made our needs known, more donations for these items poured in with Tzu Chi Manila donating the school bags for all the students. With everything in place, Tzu Chi volunteers planned another trip to turn over the donated items.

On September 13, 2009 at 8AM 16 adult volunteers together with 4 Tzu Chi Angels (Kids of Tzu Chi volunteers) excitedly went on what we called a CARAVAN OF HOPE. Tzu Chi volunteers thought of bringing their kids to expose them to “the other side!” Being schooled in private schools with everything at their finger tips they don’t appreciate what they have. Upon arrival at the school, we were surprised to see STILL THOUGHTS sayings nailed to trees around the school grounds! Touched by their effort, the volunteers including the kids immediately went to work and assembled the chairs, clean the classrooms, install the new blackboards and turned one of the room into a the Audio-Visual Room. Probably the only Rural Elementary School in the city to have one! As we were doing these, we noticed that we were attracting the residents in the area and they offered to help us. Working together harmoniously we completed everything in less than 3 hours! The Tzu Chi kids worked hand in hand with the students. We then distributed the bags and school supplies to the very appreciative students. The Tzu Chi kids were thrilled to hand out the bags to 62 students. For most, it was their first time to own a brand new school bag or have a school bag of their own for that matter.

Having completed our tasks, we thanked the students, teachers and parents for giving us the opportunity to finally pursue all the four of Missions of Dharma Master Cheng Yen. As we were making our way out, they surprised us with bags and bags of vegetables and fruits as a show of appreciation. A table laden with native homemade delicacies filled the table. The volunteers were so touched specially when a parent approached and thank them for really caring for the future of their children. They know that the only way for their children to break out from the cycle of poverty is a good education. With Tzu Chi’s help, they are now hopeful for their future! The students and parents were glued to the instructional program that we played for them.

As we were making our way back to the city, Tzu Chi kid Jayce Lim said: “ Let us go back and visit them again. When asked why..he said..they are very nice and are now my friends and I want to go back and bring them shoes because all of them have dirty slippers!”

Master Cheng Yen had said that we should not underestimate the ability of children to love and care! But I was surprised he noticed and cared enough to voice out his compassion. We will make sure to bring the Tzu Chi kids on our next trip and ask them to read and interact with the students more. That is after we get all the books and shelves ready for our next project..the establishment of a school library!