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

2021 • 03 06 eature M aster Cheng Yen, founder of Tzu Chi once said, “Education serves to purify the mind. A good education will bring a ray of hope and a force that promotes peace in society.” TCISKL is a school built on truth, goodness and beauty. It prioritizes character education and aims to institute a lifelong learning habit in our students to uphold the motto, “Learn to love and love to learn”. Guided by Master Cheng Yen’s teachings and strong support from the public, Tzu Chi volunteers were able to make TCISKL a reality, a school of hope and vision. The history of Tzu Chi’s education mission in Malaysia can be traced back to 2001, when the first Da Ai Kindergarten was established. Yong Mei Teng, head of TCISKL kindergarten commented that TCISKL is a dream come true for many parents who have fervently hoped for a comprehensive Tzu Chi education for their children to continue from kindergarten to primary and secondary levels seep in Tzu Chi humanistic values. It is under such anticipations and blessings that TCISKL officially opened on January 6, 2020. Celebrating the first anniversary TCISKL is strategically located on a 7.67-acre site between Bandar Kinrara 9 and Bukit Jalil. In its first year of operation, a total of 750 students were enrolled, ranging from kindergarten, Primary Year 1 to 4 and Secondary Year 7 to 8. Just two months after its opening, the school was faced with a great challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Physical classes were suspended and all learning activities had to be moved online. It was a test of perseverance for the teachers, students and parents. Thankfully, we got through with flying colours, a feat for a newly established school with 1,335 students. On January 6, 2021, the school held a small-scale anniversary celebration in full compliance with the pandemic prevention regulations set by the Government.Albeit low- key, it was warm and moving, with all staffs gathered in the lecture theatre, reminiscing the challenging yet joyful journey they shared during the year. “Memories are created together. This celebration is special. Instead of material things, it focuses on the memories we were all a part of. I am blown away by the Great Love and tremendous efforts of Tzu Chi volunteers. From their gifting of handmade Source of information: Cheok Hui Lee Despite being a new school on the block in a year hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, TCISKL overcame varied obstacles to go online for all classes, teachers’ training and activities including collating teachers and parents’ feedbacks, and caring for students’ physical and mental needs. This year, we are looking forward to returning to physical school in welcoming our 1,335 students and team of 136 teachers. As the Chinese saying goes, “It takes a decade to nurture a tree, but a century to educate a man.” It is our mission to nurture seeds of goodness through Tzu Chi humanistic culture education, and cultivate global talents and future pillars to bring peace and stability to society and the world.