Local Tzu Chi volunteers
The Tzu Chi Dominican chapter has been serving those in need and their communities on this Spanish-speaking island nation since 1998. Over the years, several Dominicans have come to identify with Tzu Chi's ideals and joined Tzu Chi. Although most of the volunteers from Taiwan have no trouble with the language, these local volunteers still played a vital role in introducing Tzu Chi to the locals. As majority of the country's population are of Christian faith, so are these local volunteers. However, they don't find serving Tzu Chi's mission contradict their faith. Here are their stories.
A compassionate pharmacist
This is but a corner of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.
Tzu Chi volunteer, Zhu Yaolin:"Hi Claudina, how's business today? I am here to see how you are doing and also to collect your monthly contribution."
Claudina Romero is a Dominican Tzu Chi volunteer who also contributes to Tzu Chi on a monthly basis, donating roughly 3 US dollars each month. Though she also runs this pharmacy, she sets aside time to carry out Tzu Chi's mission.
Serving in the TC uniform
Dressed in Tzu Chi attire and with a Tzu Chi hairdo, it is hard to distinguish Claudina from the rest of the volunteers. She is here today for the graduation ceremony of Tzu Chi Middle and Elementary School
Today marks an important milestone for the graduating class, and Claudina makes sure the students look their best.
Claudina is also working backstage, maintaining order while giving the students instructions for their on-stage performances.
Uniform doesn't affect her faith
Claudina was introduced to Tzu Chi by a medical friend at a Tzu Chi tea party. Although she is Catholic, Claudina has no problem appearing in Tzu Chi uniform. She says volunteering is like attaining spiritual tranquility through attending church. The uniform is but a tool, and has nothing to do with her religious belief.
Tzu Chi volunteer, Claudina Romero:"This uniform doesn't state one's faith. My main goal is to help those in need. That is what I want to accomplish. The uniform is a tool that allows me to do that."
Retired doctor approves of Tzu Chi
Another local Dominican Tzu Chi volunteer is Ernestina Guerrero, who is a retired doctor. She has been searching for an organized and disciplined humanitarian organization to devote herself to. She found Tzu Chi.
Becoming part of Tzu Chi
Today, Ernestina is accompanying Junior, who is a Tzu Chi care recipient as well as a graduate of Tzu Chi Middle and Elementary School, to a hospital visit. When Junior suffered an auto accident last year, he was treated at the hospital where Ernestina worked. Ernestina was the first to arrive at the hospital to care for Junior. Having Ernestina by Junior's side is like having a private doctor.
Tzu Chi volunteer, Ernestina Guerrero:"I feel great in this uniform. It means I am part of Tzu Chi and also makes me feel I am half Taiwanese."
Tzu Chi's local emissary
There is another local Tzu Chi volunteer who has been Tzu Chi's emissary in the Dominican Republic, Senator Juan Roberto Rodriguez Hernandez, who Tzu Chi volunteers refer simply as Roberto.
Senator Rodriguez has posters of Jing Si aphorisms in his office in the Presidential Palace. He likes to share his favorite one.
Senator Rodriguez:"Master Cheng Yen has said: it is better to give than to receive. This really resonates with me. What a beautiful sentence. Jing Si aphorisms are all beautiful."
Impressed by Tzu Chi's relief work
Senator Rodriguez first came into contact with Tzu Chi back in 1999, when the group organized a mudslide relief campaign in Roberto's home state before he was elected into office. Roberto was really impressed with how well organized, efficient, and effective Tzu Chi's relief work was, whether carrying out disaster surveys, distributing the aid, or holding free clinics. Tzu Chi's ideals also had a profound impact on Roberto's public service career.
Senator Rodriguez:"It's now nearly 11 year and the residents from my home state still remember Tzu Chi's help. In the Dominican Republic, I don't think there is a humanitarian organization comparable to Tzu Chi."
Inspiring more to serve and help
Senator Rodriguez also makes contributions on a monthly basis. However, sometimes, he is simply too busy.
Tzu Chi volunteer, Zhang Cihui:"He reminded me he hasn't made his monthly donations yet. Do I want to make collections? I said that's fine, he can pay me back with interest. "
For these volunteers from Taiwan to blend into the local culture and community is not an easy task. Inspiring the locals to join Tzu Chi is even more difficult. Claudina, Ernestina, and Roberto are like Tzu Chi seeds. Hopefully, they will empower more locals to join Tzu Chi's missions and better serve the Dominican Republic.
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