Shining a Light for Asylum Seekers

🏫 September 2024, Tzu Chi UK volunteers distributed school uniforms and offered free haircuts to nearly 80 refugee children, helping them start the school year with confidence and dignity. 🎒 These activities took place in a 21-story apartment building in Nottingham, accommodating 225 asylum seekers from 22 countries, including Ukraine, Sudan, and Afghanistan.

During the distribution, volunteers showed exceptional care. A young girl who hesitated to wear a uniform due to poor fits in the past was delighted to receive one fitted to her size, lighting up her face with a smile.👧👦 A boy excitedly shared, “I can bring water to school now instead of drinking from the faucet,” after receiving his new water bottle.

The makeshift haircut service became a highlight. 💇‍♀️ Volunteer Kuo provided haircuts for the boys, while volunteer Su styled the girls’ hair. Su had suffered a hand injury, but therapy has given back her ability to style the children’s hair, creating a salon-like experience for them. 💈

📝 The children’s gratitude was evident in the thank-you letters they gave to volunteers, with messages like, “I love you and hope you are always happy,” and “We are not just friends; we are sisters.” 🍰 Meanwhile, residents expressed their appreciation by sharing homemade cake with the volunteers, showing how deeply touched they were by the care and support provided from head to toe.

With care and dedication, Tzu Chi volunteers strive to restore hope and dignity, giving refugee children and their families a fresh start. ☀️