Page 74 - Hualien Sustainable Living Bilingual Magazine

69 President Liu described Tzu Chi’s actions in education, medical care, life, and relief, including the World Forum for Women Scientists, the meat-free market to promote respect for life and veganism, and the volunteer trip to the Philippines after a typhoon to help rebuild homes and conduct free medical consultations with local doctors. Because of Tzu Chi’s many years of experience in disaster prevention, the Ministry of Education approved the establishment of a“Master Program in Sustainability and Disaster Prevention”, which aims to develop disaster prevention knowledge and mobilization systems. President Liu recalled a touching episode that occurred during the 1999 Jiji earthquake: when Master Cheng Yen was looking at a list of 100 schools that needed additional funding to be rebuilt, she ticked off more than 50 schools in one go. However, her senior staff reminded her that this number might exceed what they can handle.“Master said, then we must gather more widespread support of everyone, for if we don’t help these schools, then who will?”