![Ang Lok Xin (centre) transformed from a quiet and reserved child to a confident voice after joining the “i·didik” online tutoring programme. [Photo courtesy of community volunteers]](/images/Articles/RW/2024/KL20240121a_zzz91_085.jpg "Ang Lok Xin (centre) transformed from a quiet and reserved child to a confident voice after joining the “i·didik” online tutoring programme. [Photo courtesy of community volunteers]")
Behind Ang Lok Xin's tall physique and shy smile lies a story closely tied to her family background...
Ang Lok Xin’s mother suffered from depression even before she was born. Her grandmother has been her primary caretaker and the family’s breadwinner. For many years, when her grandmother was away at work, Lok Xin would be left home with her elder brother, who would bully her like locking her out. Additionally, her mother tended to speak negatively. Raised in such an environment ripped away at Lok Xin’s happiness and caused her to be reserved.
In 2021, when Lok Xin’s grandmother needed a pacemaker replacement and turned to Tzu Chi for help again, the volunteers stepped in to assist, and continued to care for the family after her recovery. Their continued support led to Lok Xin’s enrolment in the “i·didik” programme, which proved to be a life-changing opportunity.
Initially shy, unconfident and quiet, Lok Xin slowly blossomed in the nurturing environment of “i·didik”. Thanks to her self-discipline and perfect attendance, she was later appointed as the class monitor, responsible for maintaining discipline in the virtual classroom.
With her tutors’ patient guidance, her grades in Mathematics and English progressed significantly. She shared, “The teachers kept teaching until I learned it.” Besides, witnessing life in other parts of the world through the Humanistic Culture lessons, including the poverty facing children in Africa and the helplessness of stateless children in East Malaysia, who were deprived of education opportunities, she developed a renewed appreciation for learning and believed more firmly in the transformative power of education.
To expose Lok Xin and her family to a more loving environment, volunteer Tan Swee Chang accompanied them to participate in various Tzu Chi activities, such as the Recycling Day and the Buddha Bathing Ceremony. These involvements instilled a sense of joy and purpose in Lok Xin, who said, “Volunteering filled me with joy. I find it meaningful to be able to invite more people to do good deeds together and spread love around.”
At the “i·didik” award ceremony in January, Lok Xin not only received the Best Performance Award, but also participated in a sign language performance, which boosted her confidence. She said, “It takes sweat, determination, and hard work to reap the fruit of success.” She was never conceited about her achievement. Instead, she deemed her hard work as the best reward for her parents, and her learning as the greatest encouragement she could give herself. In that moment, her heart brimmed with hope, and the path ahead became brighter, illuminated by the support of “i·didik”
In July, Lok Xin challenged herself by delivering a speech themed around “How to Keep a Happy Mood” at her school’s English public speaking contest. From this, she discovered the secret to true happiness, and realised that giving one’s best effort leaves no room for regret, regardless of the outcome.
Witnessing how Lok Xin’s transformation has lifted her family’s spirits and fostered a harmonious home environment, Swee Chang reflected, “Through a child, we can inspire change in an entire family. Thus, as volunteers of the Charity Team, we should never give up on anyone or any opportunity while extending care.”
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Since its launch in January 2022, the “i·didik” online tutoring programme has been a beam of light, illuminating the paths of education for hundreds of children like Lok Xin.
