20100123 Six lives claimed by boat accident in Penang.wmv

Six lives claimed by boat accident

On a more somber note: Chung Ling High School in Penang, Malaysia, lost six of its students on January 17, when a dragon boat carrying 16 students, a teacher and a coach capsized during practice. Tzu Chi volunteers were onsite immediately after the accident happened, and approached the distraught family members to offer them assistance and emotional support, helping with prayer services and the funeral arrangements. It has been a difficult time for the bereaved relatives. However, despite their grief, parents of two of the victims took the opportunity to contribute to charity, in the name of their deceased children.

Emotional support for bereaved families

" Yongxiang, Mama is looking for you. Can you hear me?"

The heartbroken mother is ushered into a tent set up by Tzu Chi volunteers. In the darkness of the night, there's nothing much family members can do but pray.

Two days later, six are confirmed dead from the boat accident that happened on January 17th, in Penang, Malaysia. Family members of the deceased are struggling to accept the loss of their loved ones. The volunteers visit each family to show support.

" Here is some water. Drink slowly."

Posthumous donations made by parents

At the funerals, Tzu Chi volunteers' prayer service is the best emotional support for the bereaved families.

Tzu Chi volunteer, Chen Jiaqing: "Tzu Chi is doing its best to be there for them."

On the day of Yang Yankai (楊延開) and Xie Zijun (謝子俊)'s funeral, their parents made charity donations in their names. Yang's father also attended the funeral of other victims to give his condolences.

Bereaved family member: "They came to help us without asking for anything in return, so I want to use this opportunity to do something good and to repay society on behalf of my child. "

A gentle pat is worth 1,000 words

A gentle pat on the shoulder is worth a thousand words. Tzu Chi's care and support are deeply appreciated.

Bereaved family member : "Thank you very much for your help. Without you I wouldn't have made it through the past couple of days. You gave us a lot of support and assistance. I wouldn't have pulled through without you. "

Strong support system crucial

Coming to terms with the death of a loved one is a harrowing experience; the volunteers lend a shoulder for the bereaved to cry on, giving them quiet but strong support.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Tzu Chi
• Chung Ling High School
• Penang
• Boat tragedy

[kayakiwi1]

This is so sad. My heart goes out to the families of these young people, who were enjoying life in a positive manner, being being actively involved in a wholesome, team building, healthy sport.