The Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation, a global humanitarian and charitable organization based in Taiwan, has reported on its efforts to deliver food packages in Ethiopia to 3 families affected by the ongoing civil conflict in the East African country.
Ethiopia, home to some 109 million people, has long been plagued by internal conflict and ethnic violence. The most recent period of conflict, which began in 2018, between the federal government and various militia groups, has been a significant source of human rights violations, war crimes, social upheaval and instability . Despite the signing of a peace treaty in 2022, sporadic civil conflict has continued, which, combined with drought and poor harvests, has resulted in an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“The ongoing civil war has plunged the country into turmoil, with countless children living in a state of perpetual hunger,” Tzu Chi said in a recent statement seen by BDG. “Recognizing the urgent need, the Tzu Chi Foundation, in partnership with Kidmia Mahiber, a Christian charity, launched a six-month meal program on July 19. The initiative provides daily meals to children under the age of eight in refugee camps for internally displaced people, as well as food parcels to 3 families. » (Tzu Chi Foundation)
Aiming to bring relief and hope amidst the chaos, Tzu Chi ensures meals reach 1 vulnerable refugee children daily, for families struggling to survive in three locations: Bakelo, Woineshet Paper Factory and China Camp.
“These children, who can only go to school for half a day in rudimentary tents, represent the plight of Ethiopian youth. Their parents, struggling with the instability of their home country, cannot provide them with safe shelter or sufficient food. This meal program offers a glimmer of hope in their otherwise difficult lives,” said Tzu Chi.
“Although they remained in their own country, these Ethiopian refugees are forced to live in factories that no longer operate. Here they scatter their belongings on the floor and sleep where space allows. In this chaotic environment, they only seek the essentials to survive, unable to dream of any semblance of intimacy or normality. » (Tzu Chi Foundation)
Working closely with Kidmia Mahiber, Tzu Chi distributed food packages to 3 families in these refugee camps on July 000 and 24. The refugee camp self-management committee, made up of five refugee representatives from each camp, played a crucial role in identifying households most in need of assistance.
“Through these small acts of compassion, Tzu Chi hopes to provide a brief respite to those enduring the harsh realities of refugee life,” Tzu Chi emphasized. “This effort, although modest, brings a sense of comfort and humanity to families facing immense difficulties. »
The Tzu Chi Buddhist Compassion Foundation, Republic of China, commonly known as the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation, was founded in Taiwan in 1966 by Buddhist nun and Dharma teacher Master Cheng Yen. With the aim of "putting compassion into action", the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation is a UN-accredited NGO with some 10 million supporters and 432 offices in 51 countries, carrying out regular activities in the fields of aid. humanitarian, medical care, education and environmental sustainability.
Master Cheng Yen, an emblematic figure of Buddhism engaged in society, expressed his deep conviction that all human beings are capable of manifesting the same great compassion as the Buddha. She emphasized that true compassion is not simply feeling sympathy for the suffering of others, but reaching out to alleviate suffering through concrete actions.
Master Cheng Yen is known in Taiwan as one of the “Four Heavenly Kings” of Buddhism, the others being: Master Sheng Yen, founder of Dharma Drum Mountain; Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan; and Master Wei Chueh, founder of Chung Tai Shan. These four global Buddhist orders, known as the “Four Great Mountains,” have become among the most influential Chinese Buddhist organizations in the world.
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Tzu Chi Foundation
Tzu Chi United States
Ensuring the distribution of meals to displaced children in Ethiopia (Tzu Chi Foundation)
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The article Engaged Buddhism: Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation feeds displaced children in Ethiopia appeared first on Buddhist News Global.
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