October 30, 2024
Tzu Chi Youth volunteers awarded during induction ceremony at BTCC
By Dorothy Castro
On October 25-26, Tzu Chi Philippines held its first-ever Tzu Chi Youth (TCY) induction camp, a culmination of the earlier youth camp last August 23-25. During the two-day camp, with the theme “Courage in Action: Shaping Tomorrow with Compassion," participants listened to inspiring talks about Tzu Chi’s missions and joined fun learning activities that encourage teamwork among the youth.
Thirty-eight newly awarded TCY volunteers (four of them from Zamboanga) wore their uniforms, taking on the responsibility of spreading compassion to communities. In the past months, the enthusiastic members participated in many activities. These included the scholars’ monthly Humanities classes, outreach activities for the elderly, dental hygiene practices with Project Smiles, typhoon relief, and charity sales.
Tzu Chi’s mission of environmental protection is in every young volunteer’s heart. They talked about sustainability during their Classroom Without Wheels program and happily did their part in gardening and tree-planting activities.
They also learned about volunteerism the Tzu Chi way: apart from providing relief and assistance, they learned to connect with people’s hearts through their sign language classes. They shared their heartfelt sign language performance during a visit to Bahay Mapagmahal, where they met the iconic Rondalla on Wheels, a musical group composed of Persons with Disabilities.
Their enthusiasm and courage in volunteering for these roles are vital as they begin their journey as TCY volunteers.
John Carlo Caedo, a newly inducted TCY volunteer, first encountered Tzu Chi during a three-day medical mission in Davao. “This is what made Tzu Chi different from other organizations,” he declared. “They don’t just do charitable work; they come together as family, united in heart, doing what they love.” This is what Caedo referred to as the “seed” planted in his heart, encouraging him to become a youth volunteer. As he reunited with his Tzu Chi family in Metro Manila about three months later, he delved into the teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen and applied them in his day-to-day activities as a volunteer and now Tzu Chi Youth.
Similarly, it was through these many activities that ignited the spark in fellow TCY member Jeremy Concio, who encountered Tzu Chi for the first time during their three-day TCY Camp held in August. The following two months for him were an adventure, as he happily participated in many TCY activities. Participating in these initiatives helped him see the world in a different light, and he took this as an opportunity to “be the one to make a positive change in the world because I want it to happen for others, not only for myself,” he exclaimed.
Now equipped with skills to help others and a compassionate heart, both Caedo and Concio look forward to encouraging more youth volunteers. Realizing the importance of inspiration to help others, Caedo vows to be a bright influence to the younger generation.
“I wish to be a guiding light that ignites the compassion and kindness within each young person, joining together to create a blaze. Together, we can shoulder the mission of changing the world and creating a more harmonious, beautiful future,” he said.
Tzu Chi Youth volunteers proudly show the sign language performance they learned during their journey.
Tzu Chi volunteers prepare delicious vegetarian dishes for the young participants.
Tzu Chi volunteers prepare delicious vegetarian dishes for the young participants.
Tzu Chi Youth volunteers enjoy a fun puzzle game, matching different sustainable activities based on how they can help the environment.
Tzu Chi volunteer Levy Yao shares etiquette lessons the Tzu Chi way.
Tzu Chi Youth volunteers enjoy learning about baking at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus bakery in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
As part of the activities of the International Youth Leadership Program, volunteers representing Tzu Chi Foundation and Ateneo de Manila University work together to promote oral hygiene during the “Project Smiles: An Oral Health Community Drive.”
An act of love towards the environment, youth volunteers participate in a gardening activity at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus Unity Hall.
During a highly anticipated “Starry Night” activity at camp, young volunteers watch a video of Dharma Master Cheng Yen sharing lessons on volunteerism.
John Carlo Caedo (left) enthusiastically participates in learning a sign language performance.
![“I hope that with your [purple blue] shirts later on, you will be empowered and motivated to do tasks that a Tzu Ching is doing,” says Tzu Chi volunteer Sally Yuñez.](/assets/news-page/images/11-v28.jpg)
“I hope that with your [purple blue] shirts later on, you will be empowered and motivated to do tasks that a Tzu Ching is doing,” says Tzu Chi volunteer Sally Yuñez.
Tzu Chi Youth volunteers enjoy a fun game of guessing the person behind the cloth sheet.
Rosa So, head of Tzu Chi’s Education Committee, discusses Tzu Chi’s Educational Assistance Program.
Tzu Chi volunteer and Head of Communications Department Judy Lao talked about the volunteers’ journey during the relief operations in Tacloban, Leyte, during Typhoon Yolanda.
Three birthday celebrants are surprised with a cake during the second day of the induction camp.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (third from left) leads the induction ceremony of Tzu Chi Youth, turning over the youth’s uniforms.
Tzu Chi volunteers formally turn over the purple blue uniforms to Tzu Chi Youth volunteers.
Jeremy Concio proudly wears his Tzu Chi Youth uniform.
Tzu Chi Youth camp committee members help newly inducted youth with their uniforms.
John Carlo Caedo happily shows off his Tzu Chi Youth uniform.
In Zamboanga, four newly inducted Tzu Chi Youth volunteers make their vows and receive their uniforms. The four TCY volunteers joined the induction camp online.
Tzu Chi Youth members pose for a group photo with Tzu Chi volunteers.