The world of Tzu Chi March 2021 (Vol.132)

TZU CHI 132 29 From witnessing to involving —Great Love Mother, Tey Song Jee O n September 16, 2017, volunteer Tan Kok Sieong attended the groundbreaking ceremony of TCISKL together with his wife, Tey Song Jee, and their only daughter. With love and contributions from countless people, the school took shape, brick by brick and finally was officially opened in January 2020. Song Jee’s daughter was successfully enrolled in Year 7 while she decided to assume the role of a Great Love Mother. This required her to go into classes to interact with the children through the teaching of Jing Si aphorisms. She recalled on the days of the lesson, she and other Great Love Mothers felt as excited and anxious like newly enrolled primary school students, constantly paying great attention to their words and actions. When they walked, they had to make sure that they followed the signages on the ground and carried their sling bags on the same side, as every word and action must reflect the beauty of Tzu Chi humanistic culture and etiquette. With constant reminding from each other, things became natural. Their neat appearance in school was a beautiful sight to behold and were certainly great role models for students. It was unfortunate that all face-to-face classes were suspended just after two months of school opening. Song Jee and her team did not slack off though. They continued to prepare their lessons and find the best way to impart the teachings of Jing Si aphorisms to the students. They looked into improving the original teaching plans and explored the use of songs, picture books and other means to help develop students’ thinking and broaden their horizons. Song Jee and her daughter are eager to return to school. She is looking forward to resume the teaching of Jing Si aphorisms and implement their revised lesson plans. TCISKL website Note: Some of the photos in this article were taken before the MCO was imposed in 2020. Realizing Character Education – First Year Anniversary of TCISKL