The world of Tzu Chi Sep-Oct 2022 (Vol.143)

TZU CHI 143 49 done so, as it contradicted the lesson his child learnt in class. He recounted, “My confidence in vegetarianism grew later, as I felt that Tzu Chi being such a huge charitable organization, and given its persistent effort in promoting vegetarianism, there should be enough scientific basis to support the claim and drive. Since diet is a choice, why should I choose to eat meat over vegetables? We can get protein from vegetables as well. If my child can do it, then I should be able to do it too.” In September 2021, the Kindergarten officially launched an awareness campaign on vegetarianism. Children were taught during class that taking 6 vegetarian meals was equivalent to saving the life of a fish; 12, a chicken; 15, a tree; while 400 would save a pig! They were asked to keep track Ang Chern Louis did not forget to promote a vegetarian diet to his grandmother when he had a video call with her during the pandemic. of the number of vegetarian meals they had consumed, to find out how many lives they had saved. At that point, little Chern Louis had already taken 100 meals. So, he requested his mother to make origami featuring the various animals he had saved. In no time, he had a small zoo on hand. Shortly before the term ended, he was awarded the honourable titles of “Vegetarian Angel”, “Little Vegetarian Life Rescuer”, and “Little Promoter of Compassion”. Seong Leng recalled with a trace of embarrassment, that he did not think the child would persist in his vegetarian journey, and he even tried to tempt him into eating meat. However, since the child kept repeating that animals were lovable and should be protected, fulfilling his wish seemed to be the only right choice. “It was such a great change in diet! I