The Sierra Leone branch of the Tzu Chi Foundation held a deeply impactful volunteer training session on Tuesday, 29th July, at the Pre-School Center in the St. Edward’s Compound, bringing together both new and returning volunteers from across the region. The event aimed to strengthen understanding and commitment to Tzu Chi’s mission of compassion, service, and ethical living.
Led by Brother Ishmeal Alfred Charles and facilitated by Sister Margaret Bessie, the training focused on the theme “Understanding the Organization’s Mission and Spirit.” The day offered a blend of philosophical grounding, practical guidance, and spiritual reflection, all rooted in Tzu Chi’s four major missions: Charity, Medicine, Education, and Humanistic Culture.
A special highlight of the event was a recorded video message from Brother Johan, who shared firsthand accounts of the organization’s ongoing humanitarian efforts in Sierra Leone. His message emphasized the transformative power of compassionate service, reminding volunteers that “the joy is in the smile of the people we serve.”
Key Areas of Focus
Participants were introduced to Tzu Chi’s origins, founded by Master Cheng Yen in Taiwan in 1966, and its guiding philosophy: “Help the poor and educate the rich.” The Tzu Chi logo, representing purity, compassion, and dedication, was also explained.
Volunteers received hands-on instruction in:
- Core Values & Etiquette: Including humility in service, respectful communication, and modest dress. Sister Margaret demonstrated the Tzu Chi uniform while visuals of Dhamar volunteers were shared as examples of proper conduct and appearance.
- Mission-Based Modules: Covering home visit practices under the Charity mission, youth character education in the Education mission, and ethical environmental practices including recycling and vegetarianism.
- Spiritual Practice: Incorporating daily Dharma reflections and Jing Si aphorisms to build inner strength and mindfulness in service.
Additionally, volunteers explored the structure of Tzu Chi volunteer development—from General Volunteers to Certified Commissioners and Dharma Volunteers—along with the ongoing support available through mentorship and evaluation.
Real-Life Impact and Reflections
The session closed with personal testimonies from volunteers. A particularly moving story came from a Rokel volunteer who received life-saving support from fellow Tzu Chi members during a period of illness. Their gesture of care—providing food, a blanket, and emotional encouragement—fueled his return to service, underscoring the organization’s deep sense of community.
Photos from recent fieldwork and humanitarian aid missions were displayed throughout the training, visually reinforcing the impact of collective action guided by love and wisdom.
Looking Ahead
While the day covered a broad spectrum of knowledge, organizers acknowledged the need for continued training in practical areas such as first aid, disaster relief, and media documentation. Plans are underway to schedule additional training sessions and improve access to volunteer uniforms and equipment.
“A Bodhisattva does not wait for a perfect world to begin serving,” said Brother Charles in his closing remarks. “A Bodhisattva steps forward, even amidst chaos, with a calm heart and helping hands.”
With a renewed sense of purpose and unity, the volunteers left ready to carry Tzu Chi’s mission forward, one act of compassion at a time.
For more information about Tzu Chi Foundation Sierra Leone or to become a volunteer, please contact:
Tzu Chi Representative Sister Margaret Bessie
Email: margaret.bassie@tzuchi.us
Phone: +232 79 194302
