Rediscovering the Importance of Reading
SAN
FRANCISCO, USA - Reading plays a vital role in education,
and it is through reading that children can master basic skills
and do better academically. Unfortunately, in some of the
poorer areas of California, substandard facilities and education
have been a growing problem. In many schools, students do
not even have textbooks.
1,800 Books Given
During
this year's book drive, Tzu Chi San Francisco has prepared
more than eighteen hundred books for students in eight elementary
schools around the area. Many of the students' families are
also Tzu Chi's care recipients and were happy to see Tzu Chi
members again in their schools.
However, the children were happy just to
have their own books. Students at Bret Hart Elementary School
were overjoyed when they heard that they would be receiving
their own books from Tzu Chi. Many of them were in disbelief
with their mouths open wide.
The Greatest Lessons are Kindness and
Giving
Tzu
Chi volunteers also took this opportunity to introduce Tzu
Chi. The volunteers explained that Tzu Chi stands for kindness
and giving. If everyone helps each other, the world will be
more peaceful. The children then promised that they will also
do their share of helping people.
One of the students, Anthony Comoda of
Cesar Chaves Elementary wrote Tzu Chi to express his gratitude.
He wrote: DEAR TZU CHI F[O]UNDATION, THANK YOU FOR P[A]SSING
OUT BOOKS TO THE CHILDREN. IT MADE ME FEEL HAPPY, THANK YOU
AGAIN. Such simple words from such a pure heart. Tzu Chi members
will continue their efforts for the children's future.
