Seeds of Hope beneficiaries awarded for repaying parent's kindness with filial piety
Mr Ee suffers from ALS. From a young age, the Ee siblings have understood how hard their mother has been working to support the family, and they have been using their ways to reduce her burden. They are among the recipients of this year's Seeds of Hope Merit Awards. Due to the pandemic, the 2021 Seeds of Hope Merit Awards Ceremony was held online for the first time. Although the whole ceremony was simple, what remained unchanged was the aim to encourage students to develop their potential and expertise in other fields while maintaining their diligence in studies.
Taking the initiative to help their mother with the housework is part of the daily lives of Ee Xin Ying and Ee Jin Le.
Ee Xin Ying, Cassandra, Seeds of Hope beneficiary: She (mummy) works very hard and then after that, she also comes home very late. And I know that when she comes home, she will be very tired, that's why I try to help her as much as I can.
Mr Ee was diagnosed with ALS 11 years ago and later admitted to a nursing home for health reasons. Over the years, Mrs Ee has been the sole breadwinner of the family, relying on part-time work to support the family.
Ee Jin Le, Lucas, Seeds of Hope beneficiary: When mummy comes back, she looks fine but then when she lays down, she will say, "aww" like that, that means sometimes her back is in pain.
Dante, Lynette, Parent: They are always very responsible. Sometimes I work until very late. So she (Cassandra) will try to make dinner for her and her brother and always take care of the brother.
Feeling better after their massage?
Dante, Lynette, Parent: Ya, always.
A total of 49 students were conferred at the Seeds of Hope Merit Awards Ceremony in 2021.
The two siblings of the Ee family not only won the Conduct Progress Award and the Filial Piety Award, but younger brother Ee Jin Le also won the Diligence Award and the Academic Excellence Award.
Dante, Lynette, Parent: I'm so happy for my kids. I hope they will continue to do better.
Ee Jin Le, Lucas, Seeds of Hope beneficiary: It is like encouragement for me to keep doing my best.
Ee Xin Ying, Cassandra, Seeds of Hope beneficiary: I am also very happy to get these awards. I will try my best to make her (mummy) proud.
Lee Soo Lian, Tzu Chi volunteer: With the unity of both brother and sister, they allow their mother to feel at ease. She can go out to work without worrying about the family.
Each scholarship is an affirmation for the students. May they continue to shine in the future.
