Recognising Students’ Growth through the Seeds of Hope Meritorious Award

During the ceremony, this heartwarming moment of an embrace between two children and a volunteer was captured, encapsulating the joy, gratitude, and care shared in that instant. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)

Student beneficiary Koh Qian Yi, who received the “Special Talent Award”, “Conduct Progress Award”, and “Filial Piety Award”, has now grown to become a volunteer who spreads warmth to others.

The journey from being cared for to helping others has not been easy for Koh Qian Yi, who shared that when she was around three years old, her father fell ill. At that time, she had yet to understand the true meaning of “illness” but sensed that her life was slowly changing. Thereafter, rushing to the emergency department in the middle of the night became a norm. The hospital, which is unfamiliar to most children, became a place that she knew all too well.

Koh Qian Yi sharing her story of growth on stage, encouraging everyone to persevere in striving for excellence. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)

She remembers often sitting by her father’s hospital bed in a daze, unsure of what to do and unable to comprehend her internal turmoil. Looking at her mother, who was weighed down by fatigue and worries, the younger Qian Yi felt lonely, anxious, and even fearful, yet she was unable to name those emotions at that time.

The illuminated path of growth

Fortunately, Tzu Chi volunteers entered Koh Qian Yi’s life. As a young child, she did not understand what Tzu Chi was but felt the warmth and sincerity of the volunteers. The changes in her family made Qian Yi quiet and introverted. Whenever the volunteers visited her home, she would hide behind her mother, rarely speaking or making eye contact. Nonetheless, the volunteers provided gentle care and patient companionship, not faltering even when they were met with no response from her. As such, the volunteers’ companionship became a vital source of strength in her growth.

From childhood to adolescence, Koh Qian Yi struggled to balance the responsibilities of schoolwork and caring for her family, causing her to lose out on much of the leisure and social time that peers her age enjoyed. Her father’s illness practically consumed her entire life, making it difficult for her to find her place beyond family.

Koh Qian Yi felt especially lost and helpless during her O-level exam year in 2023. She had longed for tutoring but knew that it was something her family could not afford, causing her tremendous pressure to do well academically. Thereafter, with the help and listening ear provided by Tzu Chi volunteer Chang Ai Pin, Qian Yi successfully applied for tuition subsidies, which allowed her to improve gradually, eventually gaining admission into the junior college of her choice.  

Throughout her time studying in junior college, Tzu Chi continued to provide Qian Yi with constant support and companionship until she completed her A-level examinations. Qian Yi understands that without this sustained support from Tzu Chi, she might not have persevered in her studies or grown to become so resilient. As such, she is deeply grateful.

Tzu Chi has long been a part of Qian Yi’s life, not only supporting her family during times of difficulty but also profoundly impacting the way she sees the world. Her mother often tells her, “Look at how much these volunteers have helped us; you should also lend a helping hand to others in the future.” These words have stayed with Qian Yi, and today, she is a volunteer with Tzu Chi who continues to pass on warmth and love to others.

Accompanying and Nurturing Young Potential

Unlike typical scholarship awards, the Seeds of Hope Meritorious Award not only provides financial support but also incorporates the element of humanistic care. Through the encouragement and companionship of the volunteers, these growing children are exposed to societal support, which goes beyond the support of their parents and teachers. These children generally come from families who receive long-term financial support from Tzu Chi. After applying for the award at the beginning of the year, volunteers ultimately decide the final recipients after a year of continuous care and comprehensive evaluation. 

Event Coordinator, volunteer Kow Teik Same, expressed his hopes that the students would learn gratitude, respect, and love, as well as give back to society after they grow up with the companionship and care of the volunteers. As such, the event was renamed the “Seeds of Hope Achievement and Appreciation Ceremony” this year.

On 21 December 2025, “Seeds of Hope Achievement and Appreciation Ceremony” was held at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre. This year, a total of six awards were presented, namely the “Diligence Award”, “Filial Piety Award”, “Conduct Progress Award”, “Academic Excellence Award”, “Academic progress Award”, and the “Special Talent Award”, with a total of 57 award recipients. Notably, the volunteers and Tzu Chi Teenagers set up activity booths before the ceremony, promoting environmental awareness and demonstrating the importance of sustainability issues to today’s youth in the form of interactive games.

Tzu Chi Teenagers patiently explaining the rules of the eco game to the students. (Photo by Teo Moh Sang)

Siblings that grow up together

At this year’s Seeds of Hope Achievement and Appreciation Ceremony, siblings Gandhi, Vishnu, and Mahalakshmi took to the stage to share their experiences gained over the past three years.

In 2023, the eldest sister Gandhi and second brother Vishnu received two awards each. From 2024, the three siblings have received three awards each for two consecutive years. Behind these awards are not just their academic achievements, but also the children’s quiet growth in learning to be grateful and to contribute in their own ways.

The three siblings not only performed well academically, but are also sensible and considerate children, which puts their elders at ease. From left to right: Mahalakshmi, Vishnu and Gandhi. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)

The three siblings’ maturity and thoughtfulness stem from their challenging family circumstances, as their mother requires long-term care due to dialysis; hence, they live with their grandparents. Although their mother works part-time, her income is limited. Fortunately, their grandparents are a source of financial support, while the children are considerate and understanding. With the continuous support of Tzu Chi volunteers, the family gradually rose above their situation, allowing them to have hope and confidence in their future.

Gandhi is a source of strength for her family. She wakes up at 5:15 every morning to get ready for school, then takes care of her siblings after school. She also takes responsibility for household chores and cares for her family through practical actions. This year, Gandhi received the “Special Talent Award”, “Conduct Progress Award”, and “Filial Piety Award”, and is grateful that the awards will be able to alleviate her family’s financial burden.  

Similarly, Vishnu, who also received the “Special Talent Award”, “conduct Progress Award”, and “Filial Piety Award”, is the “doer” of the family. He shared that he learnt how to put doing good into practice in his daily life from the Tzu Chi volunteers. Not only does he help with carrying household supplies and doing household chores, he also encourages his classmates to face challenges with a positive attitude.

Students wrote thank-you cards to express their gratitude to the volunteers for their care and companionship. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)

As for the youngest sister Mahalakshmi, she is the “sun” of the family. This year, she was awarded the “Diligence Award”, “Conduct Progress Award”, and “Filial Piety Award”. She often takes the initiative to help with household chores at home, and cares for her grandmother and mother. When sharing her story onstage, she sincerely expressed that she was glad to help as she hoped for her family to be happy, with her simple words moving the audience.

The three siblings’ grandmother and mother who were seated listened to the children’s sharing with pride and joy, the contributions and gratitude of the children bringing warmth to the family like rays of sunshine. Accompanying volunteer Foo Yong Jio believes that planting seeds of hope in the children’s hearts would allow them to grow up with strength and become large trees that shelter others one day. They would then continue to spread the power of love and strength, spreading warmth and illuminating the lives of those around them.

From aid recipient to volunteer, she gives back through her actions

“Express gratitude to each other.” Farah, one of the emcees, read in fluent Mandarin. Remarkably, Farah is also a student beneficiary of the Seeds of Hope Meritorious Award Programme.  

This year, Farah was awarded the “Special Talent Award”, “Diligence Award”, and “Conduct Progress Award”. She expressed her surprise and heartfelt gratitude, sharing that she decided to give the prize money to her mother to support the family.

Farah is also one of the award recipients and has taken up the crucial role of emcee for the ceremony, in which displays a composure beyond her age. (Photo by Lai Tong Heng)  

Farah’s grandmother had lost her sight due to a stroke; hence her mother has been taking up the long-term responsibility of caring for her. For the past three years, Tzu Chi volunteers have been visiting her home monthly to support the family and lend a listening ear to Farah. Farah is in Secondary Four this year, and the heavy academic load is often a source of stress for her. Tzu Chi volunteers have hence become reliable confidantes for Farah. Seeing the volunteers’ persistent contributions have inspired Farah to also start giving back to society, to spread care to others.

There is an African proverb that goes, “It takes a village to raise a child”. Despite the hardships that some families face, the children’s education and character development are still critical. Tzu Chi volunteers hence enter these families’ lives to support the parents in accompanying the children through the joys and sorrows of growing up, allowing them to learn to be grateful, serve others, and ultimately thrive.

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