Written by Shuli Lo
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
In the early morning hours, a team of volunteers from Tzu Chi USA’s National Headquarters in San Dimas, California, set out to visit community members in Tijuana, Mexico, to offer their care. The team made a special detour on the way to welcome two hairdressers, Yuki Chiu and Alice Chu, who would provide free haircuts to the students, teachers, and staff of the Classroom of Hope, as well as to neighboring communities, including people living at a local HIV/AIDS hospice. Both Yuki Chiu and Alice Chu are veteran Tzu Chi volunteers, and having learned about Tzu Chi’s Tijuana campus, they hoped not only to offer their expertise but also to lift the spirits of local community members.
Officially launched on April 3, 2023, the Classroom of Hope at Tzu Chi’s Tijuana campus helps children and teens catch up on their schoolwork and reach grade level while also empowering the community with the resources to develop, organize, and execute meaningful projects. Every aspect of the program is actively planned to expand students’ horizons.
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United in Community Support
Upon hearing about Tzu Chi’s plans in the community, local police officers, who had seen Tzu Chi volunteers serving local residents many times before, encouraged three local hairdressers to join the event and lend a hand. The deputy chief also accompanied the volunteers throughout the day as they offered free haircuts.
In addition to offering haircuts to the students, teachers, and staff of the Classroom of Hope, volunteers also visited neighboring communities to provide haircuts for residents who had recently experienced a fire, offering care and encouragement during such a difficult time. The volunteers drove to the neighborhood with tables, chairs, and haircutting tools, arriving first at the house of a local resident named Alberto.
Alberto’s home had also been devastated by the fire, but he shared with volunteers that he had made peace with his situation, offering the site of his burned home as a space for the volunteers to set up for the event. He even borrowed two tents for the occasion and helped get the word out among the other residents. After the volunteers set up, the free haircutting event began.
Those affected by the fire were in the process of rebuilding their homes using spare wood and other materials, and were thoroughly exhausted. The free haircut provided locals with the opportunity to attend to their own needs during a deeply challenging time, and many eagerly lined up for the service. The hairdressers utilized their professional experience to give the residents a new look and, with it, a brighter outlook.
“Our aim isn’t only to give the residents haircuts so that they look better, but also to let them know that there are people who care about them,” said Yuki Chiu.
Alberto had previously learned how to cut hair, but unfortunately, he lost all his tools in the fire. Yet, he still hadn’t lost the hope of opening a barber shop after rebuilding his house. The event allowed him to help provide haircuts to the local children.
With Alberto’s support in spreading the word, many more adults and children in the neighborhood came to receive free haircuts.
A Community Begins Rebuilding
In the community where Tzu Chi volunteers held their haircutting event, homes were constructed using wooden planks, Styrofoam panels, and plastic sheets. To illuminate their homes, residents connect wires that pass through the neighborhood, thus tapping into the electricity. However, the wires can catch fire easily.
“Some of the homes caught fire, and five of them were completely destroyed. Five families — more than five, in fact, since it’s a neighborhood where sometimes multiple families occupy a single house — lost everything when our homes caught fire in the middle of the night,” Alberto explained.
“In a situation like this, others ask us how we manage to stay optimistic when we’re struggling so much. I told them that this happened to me, but I’m still alive, so I must stay optimistic. There’s no other way. I can’t be angry at life. I can’t be angry with myself or my neighbors. I’m lucky, I’m lucky, I truly am. My spirit has also helped me, because all of you have brought us a lot of support,” Alberto added. “It’s great to have met you all, to know that you care about people you don’t even know. It’s remarkable. It’s a blessing that will keep us positive.”
I would also like to thank Tzu Chi for what they are doing today, providing free haircuts to our community and to all the children, seniors, men, and women who are in need of haircuts but cannot afford them. They can’t afford professional hairdressers and barbers. However, volunteers have come from the U.S., as well as from Mexico, to lend a helping hand. I’m glad you’re here. Thank you for what you have done.”
Haircuts for Patients in Need
Since the volunteers who participated in the haircutting event traveled a considerable distance, they wouldn’t be satisfied with stopping after just one service. They made a second stop at Las Memorias AIDS Hospice, where Tzu Chi volunteers have been visiting for 13 years. This institution was established by a Catholic priest 30 years ago. Due to financial difficulties, it was transferred to a resident at the time, Antonio Granillo, who managed the care facility for over 20 years.
“I was concerned when I first heard about the HIV/AIDS shelter,” Alice Chu said. “But as soon as I got off the bus with my tools, I saw a man who said ‘Hi,’ and pointed at his head. I hope that I’ll be able to come every two months and provide help with the volunteers.”
A freshened appearance and the knowledge that someone truly cares for their well-being can mean a great deal, indeed. Volunteers will continue to provide free haircut services to those in need in the future.
