Yet the Center is an independent, self-sufficient organization, without any help from government or private foundations. Because many doctors, Chi-Lel teachers, and supporting personnel are former students who have recovered from serious illnesses themselves and have now returned voluntarily to 'serve the sick,' with very little pay. Teachers play the roles of doctor, nurse, social worker, cheerleader, parent, friend, brother, and sister. Their effectiveness is measured by the healing rate of their students. Another reason for the Center's effective but low-budget operation is that it uses group therapy.
Students live in groups of four, eight or sixteen persons per room.
By living in groups, students develop in a cooperative spirit of caring and love toward each other. Many of those I interviewed had been rejected by former hospitals as 'incurable,' and, therefore, had regarded the Center as their last hope. I was told there are typically more than a thousand students in both school. In addition, just as prestigious hospitals have research programs, the Center has many on-going research projects both on site and at different university campuses around the country. Besides doctors, teachers, and students, there are hundreds of supporting personnel, working in the office, cafeteria, bookstore, and so on.