APSAA 亞太永續行動獎(Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards )-Sustainability Action Awards SDG1:Silver
Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
Turning Rice into Light: A Resilient Community Journey from Rice Banks to Solar Power
Tzu Chi became the first international NGO approved by the Myanmar government to enter the disaster area after Cyclone Nargis in 2008. Initially offering emergency relief, the effort evolved into a modular framework combining food security, educational support, clean energy, and community empowerment. A three-phase strategy was implemented based on community needs: relief and trust-building; livelihood reconstruction and infrastructure; and investment in education and culture.
Following bottom-up and locally adapted principles, we inspired mutual support through the Rice Bank, reaching over 200 villages and donating over 117,000 kilograms of rice. A cash-for-work approach built 1,400 meters of village roads with nearly 3,000 participants. 400 solar kits enhanced lighting, learning, and reduced wildlife conflict. Agricultural assistance (seeds, training, and equipment) helped farmers rise from poverty, with 90% of Shwe Na Gwin households repaying debts and gaining self-reliance.
This scalable model has been applied in the Philippines, Mozambique, and Malawi, serving as a humanitarian, SDG-aligned solution demonstrating Tzu Chi’s global impact.