January 8, 2025
Walking the path of volunteerism, healing, and fulfilling Tzu Chi’s vision
By Dorothy Castro
The recently held Technical-Vocational Scholars’ alumni homecoming event last December 21 highlighted the results of the scholars' aspirations and dedication to creating a better life for themselves and their families. Among the crowd of lively students, a woman proudly wearing Tzu Chi’s blue-and-white uniform stood out: Melani Mapili, once a TechVoc scholar, now wears the uniform of a certified Tzu Chi commissioner years after her encounter with the foundation.
This is the product of her journey that began nine years ago, after falling ill from overwork in 2016. In her recovery, she eventually found herself in need of a new beginning and career. “I encountered Tzu Chi through their TechVoc course openings, where sewing was available. I wanted to open up a shop after I study,” she narrated.
Education was only one of the many treasures she gained, as Tzu Chi’s Technical-Vocational program sought to equip scholars with skills and knowledge as well as wisdom and compassion through its weekly Humanity classes. Mapili was soon welcomed with the principles and teachings of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, which led to her enthusiasm to join as a volunteer.
“It was like I found my home,” said Mapili, describing the day she went to the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus. From then, Mapili vowed to take on the path of becoming a volunteer, hoping to “do what Master Cheng Yen does.”
It was this personal mission that jump-started her numerous experiences doing her volunteer work. Even as she continues her work in the Documents Section of the Bureau of Corrections’ Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong, her dedication as a Tzu Chi volunteer never wavered. Just recently, the seeds of effort she planted finally bloomed with the presence of CIW’s booth at the 2024 Fiesta Verde.
Understanding the lives of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) with her work at CIW, she knew that building a relationship between Mandaluyong CIW and Tzu Chi would create a difference in their lives. Through successful talks and planning, CIW sold figurines and bags handmade by CIW’s PDLs during the bazaar. This was only one of the many volunteer works she undertook, building her knowledge and compassion as she became a certified Tzu Chi commissioner and donned the volunteers’ blue-and-white shirt.
However, her joyous moment stopped as she went through one of the most challenging trials in her life. “My mother fell ill and passed away last November. It truly crushed my heart, and I did not know how to face the Certification Camp,” Mapili shared.
Part of her wanted to give up, but she drew strength from the past, and the valuable lessons she gained from her years of experience as a volunteer. “My heart cried; despite this, I am grateful because this journey helped me overcome the grief of loss,” Mapili recalled.
Refreshed and ready to take on the responsibilities of a volunteer, Mapili brought the strength she gained from the Dharma Masters during her stay at the certification camp in Hualien, Taiwan. This culmination of her effort and sacrifice became a source of inspiration for fellow TechVoc alumni at the homecoming.
At this event, Mapili shared her knowledge with fellow alumni. Full of conviction, she said, “We bring Tzu Chi's wisdom no matter where fate takes us. From how we communicate, to the way we value the work we are given.”
Melani Mapili’s first year as a Tzu Chi Technical-Vocational Scholar.
Apart from sewing lessons, scholars like Melani Mapili (second from left) gain knowledge on weaving used cloth as rugs.
Melani Mapili (First from right) on her first volunteer work outside Manila, a series of relief operations in Batangas.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Melani Mapili continued to help others through volunteer work at Tzu Chi.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Melani Mapili (First from right) continued to help others through volunteer work at Tzu Chi.
Through Melani Mapili, Mandaluyong’s Correctional Institution for Women was able to sell products handmade by its Persons Deprived of Liberty at Tzu Chi’s vegetarian and lifestyle fair Fiesta Verde last November 2024.
Through Melani Mapili (first from left), Mandaluyong’s Correctional Institution for Women was able to sell products handmade by its Persons Deprived of Liberty at Tzu Chi’s vegetarian and lifestyle fair Fiesta Verde last November 2024.
During the Technical-Vocational scholars’ alumni homecoming last December 21, former TechVoc scholar and now Tzu Chi commissioner Melani Mapili (in blue and white) makes a pledge as an alumna.
Melani Mapili (in blue and white) poses for a photo with fellow TechVoc scholar alumni during the homecoming event.
Melani Mapili (in blue and white) is recognized during the event for her efforts as a Tzu Chi volunteer, and for successfully completing the Volunteers’ Certification Camp in Hualien, Taiwan, in early December.
Melani Mapili (in brown) as a Tzu Chi TechVoc scholar alumna, with two of her great mentors Judy Chan (left) and Olga Vendivel (right).
Now a certified commissioner, Melani Mapili vows to help more communities as she continues her journey with Tzu Chi.