The world of Tzu Chi June 2020 (Vol.123)

eature T he Covid-19 pandemic has alerted us to the crucial role of personal hygiene in the first line of defence against the virus. From the tender age of four, the young students of Da Ai Kindergarten are taught fundamental life skills and routine hygiene practices, such as washing hands before meals, brushing their teeth twice a day, bathing daily and keeping their environment clean. These everyday hygiene habits are instilled in the minds of the children throughout the three years of their preschool education in an effort to impart to them proper hygiene awareness. Since the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak, the teachers have been imparting to the kindergarteners the importance of hand washing Keeping viruses at bay with proper hygiene Defending our body from the invasion of viruses is key to preventing ourselves from falling ill, starting with proper hygiene habits. through various activities and experiments. Da Ai Kindergarten Kepong teacher Tan Siew Yen smeared light-coloured lipstick on an inflatable ball without the knowledge of her young charges, who later played with the ball. The children’s hands and feet were smudged with traces of lipstick. “As a teacher, I’d take the opportunity to educate the children on the invisible presence of viruses and bacteria, prompting them to pay attention to their hand washing routine,” explained SiewYen. For many years, Tzu Chi has been advocating the concept of segregating common- use utensils from personal cutlery to foster wholesome etiquette at the family dining table and minimize the transmission of microbial particles through the sharing of utensils. Therefore, Tzu Chi volunteers have adopted the habit of carrying along their own reusable bowl, chopsticks and cup when dining outside. Avoiding the use of cutlery provided by a third party is not only an environmentally-friendly practice, but also a safety precaution that prevents ourselves and others from contracting viruses or germs from those who are unknowingly ill. Master ChengYen has urged for heightened vigilance and reminded Tzu Chi volunteers worldwide to extend care and assistance to fellow neighbours and compatriots. The Master has also expressed her hope for everyone to cultivate spiritual discipline with a heart of piety, besides practising frequent hand washing, wearing face masks as a precaution and maintaining social distancing. Let us spread compassion by committing to vegetarianism to protect lives and the environment. Da Ai Kindergarten teacher Tan Siew Yen highlighted the importance of hand washing to the kindergarteners through play. [Photograph by Goh Tee Boon] 2020 • 06 24