|
Article by Yong Yau Eng, Sandakan
Photograph by Hsieh Hsiu Hua; Translated by Kerk Peck Hoon |
|
|
The flood in Sandakan resulted in food shortage for the villagers living by the Paitan River. Tzu Chi volunteers came to their rescue and showed their care and concern.
Villagers formed a long line to help transfer relief rations to the designated area. |
The rainy season in 2008 seemed to be extremely long and it had caused flooding in several places. In March 2008, Tzu Chi Sandakan volunteers visited the District Officer of Beluran, Mr. Richard Mark, who provided them with the information that areas along the Paitan River were badly hit and isolated by the flood. These areas were difficult to access and the local Government had to use the helicopter to send them relief goods. Volunteers did not try to go into the disaster areas but kept in touch with the Sisters of the church on the progress of the villagers.
There are many villages scattered along the river-bank and some on the hill top. The aboriginal villagers lead a very simple lifestyle, and the church has established kindergartens in Kg. Sulit and Kg. Dalamas. The children are taught by the nuns who will also prepare breakfast for them every morning. Sadly, due to financial constraints, the nuns can only limit their help to the children from the church.
Discover the need of the villagers
Four years ago, through Dr. Wong Ming Liang, who is a Catholic and a TIMA member, Tzu Chi got to know about the hard life that the villagers are coping with. Since then, Tzu Chi has been collaborating with Catholic members there to provide the villagers with regular relief of daily needs and stationery. Last year, between June and August, Tzu Chi solved the water supply problems faced by people in Kg. Dalamas by digging two wells around their areas.
Through their interaction with the villagers during regular relief, Tzu Chi volunteers discovered that many more villages were in need of help. In April, Tzu Chi volunteers paid the District Officer, Richard Mark, another visit. His contacts with the Village Chief gave Tzu Chi the exact situation of the villagers. They were indeed facing a serious food shortage.
With all relevant information collected, a relief distribution was carried out at the community hall of Kg. Sulit on 1 May 2008. This place was chosen because of its central location to the 15 villages. Tzu Chi paid the boatmen to ferry the recipients to the relief centre.
Giving personally with full respect
Since the journey was quite time consuming, Tzu Chi volunteers were divided into two teams. On 30 April, 4.30pm, 11 volunteers left for the relief centre to get ready for the activity that was held the following day. They brought along with them 300 packets of rice, 70 packs of clothing, 40 boxes of biscuits, and 9 crates of soya sauce.
On 1 May, another team, comprising of 26 volunteers, departed for the relief centre at 5:30 am and arrived at 9 am. The distribution began after a simple prayer ceremony. Sister Helena was the liaison for Kg. Dalamas, Kg Lubang Buaya and Sulit Paitan for this relief. Since these three villages have been getting regular relief from Tzu Chi, each family was given 5 kg of rice. For first time recipients, each family was given 10 kg of rice and other daily needs.
A counter was opened to collect information for families that need further investigation for further aid.
Olout Bin Anit, a villager from Kg Bantangan Laut, reported that his elderly neighbour was physically unfit and needed help. Tzu Chi volunteers visited this man and provided him with some daily needs and care. This kind action has warmed his heart.
| 
Latest News 
