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

TZU CHI 132 07 cards to teachers and helping to clean up the school before its opening, I deeply felt that Great Love can indeed change the world. It got me to reflect: if Master Cheng Yen could spread Tzu Chi spirit to different corners of the world without even stepping out of Taiwan personally, then with Great Love and compassion, nothing is impossible,” Kuan May Yin, a secondary school Science teacher said. Librarian Siti Shahidatul Akmal binti Khorizan on the other hand shared, “This is our first anniversary. I feel so touched and overwhelmed. Initially, I was afraid that Tzu Chi might lead me differently because I am a Muslim, but since I am here, it is nothing like that. They really do not differentiate, no matter which religion you are from. They really stay true to their philosophy of love and care. As I am a Muslim, they prepared a very nice surau (prayer’s room) for me.” In looking back, preparation work started in 2016 with learning visits to Tzu Chi International School Indonesia, and Tainan Tzu Chi Senior High School and Tzu Chi Senior High School Affiliated With Tzu Chi University in Taiwan. This was followed by planning of administrative affairs for student enrolment, syllabus and subject planning for primary and secondary schools, enrolment briefing and entrance exams; parents and student interviews and hiring of teachers, just to name a few. When the first-phase construction was completed at end 2019, Tzu Chi volunteers from various communities came together to clean up the school for its opening in January 2020. Cheng Sook Choo, head of TCISKL primary school, joined the TCISKL preparation team as soon as she retired from her primary school principal position in 2017. She brings with her some 39 years of experience in the education field. She said, “We held our first admission briefing on May 1, 2019 which attracted some 5,000 parents. After the shortlist, we had to interview more than 1,000 students over 12 days, working 12 hours daily. Many parents told us that they were looking for a school that emphasizes on holistic education and character building, and they were so excited with the establishment of TCISKL. I was so touched and overjoyed on the day of our school opening.” Having gone through a challenging year with disruptions caused by the pandemic, TCISKL principal Lim Siew Li was grateful for the full cooperation and support from the school, teachers, students and parents. She said, “Even though lessons were conducted online, we were still able to pass on Tzu Chi humanistic culture to the students. It should not be something that is only implemented in class; it is a life attitude to be inculcated. When one possesses this humanistic quality, it can be exemplified anywhere and at all times in life.” Education is a long-term project that takes time to see the outcomes. With everyone’s blessings, TCISKL is striving towards its goal of becoming a model school in Malaysia. Through Tzu Chi humanistic culture education, we are hopeful that we can produce kind and compassionate role models, and achieve the goal of purifying mind and creating a harmonious society. Realizing Character Education – First Year Anniversary of TCISKL