Special
Graduation Ceremony
MILPITAS, USA - Tzu Chi's Northern California
Chapter recently held a graduation ceremony for its kindergarten
class. But it was a graduation ceremony like no other. The
children didn't just graduate. They also held a charity bake
sale and, believe it or not, all the food was made by their
little hands. Proceeds from the sale went to survivors of
the South Asia Tsunami.
The kindergarten students
and teachers worked hard to prepare for the 
graduation
ceremony. They turned a hall into a "five-star"
restaurant. During the ceremony, students served their parents
with respect. The menu included tea and dessert, all made
by the tiny hands of these little "chefs." Tzu Chi
volunteers also held a charity bake sale to support the survivors
of the South Asia Tsunami. This was not just a graduation.
It was a lesson in helping others.
These graduates aren't just expert chefs.
They
are also performers.On stage, they sang, acted and performed
sign language. Their parents jumped at the chance to go on
stage to participate.
Integrated Education System
At
Tzu Chi Academy in Northern California, students in every
grade learn about the humanitarian spirit. However, Tzu chi
volunteers wanted to teach this at an earlier age. In 2003,
Tzu Chi opened their first kindergarten class with the hope
of shaping young minds into well-rounded individuals. The
virtues of respect for one's parents, as well as selfless
love, humility and good manners are mixed into lessons introducing
Buddhism and the Tzu Chi spirit.
Tzu Chi volunteers wanted to give children
the best education. Before establishing the school, volunteers
sought teachers and experts in early childhood education.
They developed specialized textbooks and lesson plans.
Most parents are also Tzu Chi volunteers
or later became volunteers through involvement with their
children's class. They want to be involved in their children's
education. When kids attend class, parents attend seminars.
It's important that they grow with their children because
they realize strong family bonds are the basis of a healthy
society.
Edited
from Da Ai (Great Love) News, a broadcast program of Tzu Chi's
television station. For more information on Tzu Chi's Da Ai
TV, please visit http://www.newdaai.tv
