January 23, 2026
A new path forward
By Thania Florendo
“Nothing is impossible with confidence, perseverance, and courage.”
— Dharma Master Cheng Yen, Jing Si Aphorisms
At 20 years old, Abdul Karim Madale has already traversed a long and difficult road marked by loss and perseverance. Yet he never imagined that this journey could come to symbolize hope—until the day he walked from Sta. Mesa to Quiapo with joy in his heart.
A young man whose family were displaced during the 2017 Marawi Siege carried with him memories of hardship.
Losing both parents at a very young age, Abdul burned with a quiet determination to build a better future for his family, headed by his aunt, Bai Saman. Tita Sam, as he lovingly calls her, has been his rock, guiding him how to navigate their destitute situation while nurturing him with an armor of love and spiritual strength.
Growing up in poverty, Abdul faced hunger and deprivation as daily companions. Yet these wounds did not stop him; instead, the young Abdul took small, determined steps to climb out of the sinkholes that threatened to swallow him.
As an elementary student, Abdul sold plastic bags around Quiapo just to have money for school projects and daily allowance. As a high school student, he sold pater–a Maranao rice dish–to classmates and even students from other sections. His earnings were carefully divided among their needs―food and shelter rental, school expenses, and Bai Saman’s medication.
When Abdul graduated from senior high school, he watched with sadness how many of his classmates continued with their studies. The weight of this realization pressed on him. One day, he finally found the courage to ask Bai Salman, in a quiet voice, “When will it be my turn to study?”
Bai Saman saw his unspoken pain and searched for any possibilities. While looking for scholarships online, she came across the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation and immediately inquired about the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning (RAC) course. The RAC program is part of Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational Scholarships Program, designed to equip scholars with practical skills and prepare them for national certification assessments conducted by TESDA. Securing such, opens doors to gainful employment.
The application process was far from easy. Exhausting days followed, marked by repeated trips between hospitals, health centers, and government offices to complete the required documents. Through persistence and the help of others—even strangers who learned the reasons behind the applications—the process eventually moved forward.
The challenges did not end there. To be able to attend his initial interview at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, Abdul, Bai Saman, and another aunt, went from house to house, gathering scrap metal and plastic bottles—small offerings of effort and hope—so he could take one more step toward a different future.
“We were really determined. We endured all the hardships,” he recalled.
All the hardship melted away the moment Abdul stepped into Tzu Chi. He felt the calmness of the place, the kindness of the staff, and—most importantly—the dignity of being welcomed with respect. When he learned that he had been accepted as a scholar, he had no money left for the trip home. Still smiling, he walked from Sta. Mesa to Quiapo, a distance of about 5 kilometers. The long walk did not feel tiring at all.
“I was extremely happy. I could only think of one thing—I had hope again, and I could study again,” he recalled with joy.
In November 2025, Abdul officially became a Tzu Chi scholar. Along with free technical training, he receives support for meals, transportation, and learning materials.
As he learns to repair refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, and electric fans, Abdul is also building his confidence. Abdul also found the meaning of solidarity and cooperation. “There is no selfishness among us. We help each other with everything,” he shared.
Abdul also appreciates the generosity of his classmates. Oftentimes, he goes home with “leftover” food, portions of his classmate's meal allocation, as his family always waits for him to bring them their dinner for the evening. Bai Saman shared that when there is bread, they save these to last for two days.
Though a Muslim, Abdul deeply respects the Buddhist values taught at Tzu Chi. The teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, especially on kindness and compassion, resonated with him beyond religion.
Before Tzu Chi, Abdul faced a bleak future, with little hope of stable work without skills certification or a college degree. Today, that future appears clearer. His dream is simple yet deeply meaningful: to finish his course, secure stable employment, support his aunt—who suffers from vertigo—and someday build a small grocery business with her.
“My priority is to stand on my own and give back,” Abdul said. “I hope my aunt lives long enough to see me graduate and build a life.”
Today, Abdul Karim R. Madale stands not only as a Tzu Chi scholar, but as proof of what compassion, perseverance, and opportunity can build. Through the Tzu Chi Foundation, he found not just education—but dignity, hope, and a new beginning.
Abdul offers a message born from lived experience. “Even when life is hard, continue. Even when problems come, don’t stop. It would be such a waste to give up when you have been given a chance. Thank you to Tzu Chi Foundation, to the volunteers and donors, for choosing people like us.”
Scholars under the RAC (Refrigeration and Air-conditioning) program begin with a thorough discussion, ensuring they have a complete understanding before moving on to practical application.
Abdul Karim Madale demonstrates skills gained in class as he works on a task.
Abdul Karim Madale demonstrates skills gained in class as he works on a task.
The scholars support one another as they observe, practice, and perform tasks individually in pursuit of skill mastery.
The scholars support one another as they observe, practice, and perform tasks individually in pursuit of skill mastery.
Through hands-on learning, Abdul Karim Madale builds skills he hopes will soon allow him to offer his services and start earning.
With support and determination, Abdul Karim Madale and his aunt, Bai Saman, face the future together. He carries the hope of giving back to his aunt in the years ahead.
With Tzu Chi volunteer James Cheng (left) and Education Committee Head Rosa So (right), Abdul Karim Madale marks a moment of gratitude for the opportunity to continue his education.
Tzu Chi volunteer James Cheng, Tzu Chi scholar alumnus Johniel Tuando, and Tzu Chi Foundation Philippines Education Committee Head Rosa So (third, fourth, and fifth from front left) pose with Batch 9 scholars of the Tech-Voc RAC course.