Page 95 - Tzu Chi Q&A_First Edition

International Relief 6-3

What are the principles of Tzu Chi’s disaster
6-1 relief?

When did Tzu Chi start its international Timeliness: to deliver relief supplies in the shortest
relief work? possible time.
In 1991, Tzu Chi took its first step in international re- Directness: to personally bring the supplies hand-
lief when it provided aid to children orphaned in the to-hand to those affected.
Persian Gulf War and those affected by flooding in Priority: to focus on the worst-hit areas and
Bangladesh and China. those most in need of aid.

Respect: to respect the local customs, cultural
traditions, lifestyles, and religions.
In 1991, Tzu Chi made
a donation through Practicality: to offer aid that disaster survivors need.
the American Red
Cross to help with 6-4
the flood relief effort
in Bangladesh.
(Tzu Chi Foundation) How does Tzu Chi usually conduct its
international relief projects?

Tzu Chi’s international relief has been carried out in
four ways:
6-2
(1) Tzu Chi works independently to carry out disaster
How many countries has Tzu Chi provided aid to? or poverty relief work.

As of 2016, Tzu Chi had brought aid to 94 countries Examples:
and regions across the five continents of the world. ■ Eastern China flood, 1991
■ Mongolia winter relief, 1992

74 75