On the morning of December 24, Yung Jing Song, board member of the BLIA Paraguay Chapter whom is also the president of the Chinese Charity Foundation in Paraguay and Venerable Chueh Wen of the Paraguay Temple went to Comedor de la Villa San Francisco de Hernandaria and Capilla the Sagrada Familia de Tres Frontera de Pdte Franco on Christmas eve where two soy milk stations had been set up long before. Nearly 30 members of the BLIA Paraguay Chapter went as well. From the eyes of over 150 children as well as their families whom grew up in poverty, the soy bean milk is a blessing.
Each station is equipped with only a few antiquated wooden chairs and a simple soy milk supply timetable posted in the middle of the wooden pillars. Although a small space around the little huts, volunteers continuously supply 2 to 3 days of soy milk to the poor families every week. The fixed weekly supplies at the two soy milk stations are provided by the BLIA Paraguay Chapter. It can be described as a source of food for many of the childrens and their families. Due to the lack of supplies, Paraguayan volunteers dedicated time and effort to learn how to make delicious cuisine out of the soybean scraps that were used to make soybean milk.
At the Franco soy milk station, Paraguayan meals were specially prepared in honor of the hundreds of children. The lunch was sponsored by a Japanese company. Before the meal Venerable Chueh Wen spoke to the hundreds of children dining. She hoped that they would eat with a grateful heart as well as hoping they would cherish the meal. At the same time, Venerable Chueh Wen encouraged the children to always take care of their health, speech and mind. She encouraged the children to learn and understand how to treasure good fortune and always share lasting bonds with others.
During the visits to the two stations, one could feel the gap between the rich and the poor. Through the visits we learn to appreciate and treasure what we have and always try to help those around us. Hopefully through our good wishes, these children will grow up healthily!
BLIA Paraguay brings holiday cheer to hungry children in Paraguay
Sons of Buddha Project – Luminar Education Center – São Paulo, Brazil
BLIA Brazil, under the guidance of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, began the “Sons of Buddha” project in 2003. The purpose of the project was to alleviate some of the social, educational, and health problems that were devastating the rural communities of Sao Paulo. At the start of the project, 108 at-risk youths ranging from 7-18 years of age were provided care – ranging from food distribution to educational courses in English and computer training, from professional training in bakery, carpentry, gardening, and repair work, to establishing a neighborhood soccer club. Over the years, the program grew to incorporate over 400 youths and in 2007, Luminar Educational Center was built in the community to bett er serve the children.
The young adult on the left is Bruno, a soccer coach at Luminar Education Center. He was born and raised in Cotia. With li ttle money, the prospect of college was slim. With the help of BLIA and Fo Guang Shan, he was awarded a scholarship for his dedication and work at the Luminar Education Center. The scholarship helps Bruno pay for all his college expenses so that he may one day bett er the lives of other children, by becoming a teacher.
The youth on the right is Douglas, an ordinary 12-year old of Cotia. His family background is prett y typical of those in rural communities – he has 27 brothers and sisters, many of whom he has never met.
At the age of 3, his father was murdered during a confl ict with his drug dealer. At the age of 11,his mother was arrested for drug traffi cking. The education center has taught Douglas moral correctness and ways to cope with his personal tragedies – as such, he has handled these misfortunes well. On his soccer team at the Luminar Education Center, he has shown excellent leadership. Furthermore, as the only man in his family, he has assumed responsibility for his two younger sisters that live with him. The education center has helped him mature and has given him a second chance
for a bett er life.
Hospital Los Angeles – Ciudad Del Este, Paraguay
In 2003, Buddha’s Light International Association established the Hospital Los Angeles in Ciudad Del Este, Paraguay. The original and lasting goal is to provide free medical services for the poor. The hospital specifically serves pregnant women and children.
Statistics for Years 2003-2008
total successful deliveries – 14,182
total pediatric visits – 136,460
total OB/GYN visits – 125,136
other visits (dental, surgery, etc.) – 21,351
total overnight nursing – 22,149
Statistics for Year 2008
total successful deliveries – 2,165
total pediatric visits – 14,216
total OB/GYN visits – 13,413
total emergency room visits – 16,970
total persons receiving medication – 15,611
total medications prescribed – 34,488
