The Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre was buzzing with excitement on 26 November 2023. It was a happy day for the Tzu Chi Parent-Child Bonding Class as the participants attended the concluding class of the year.
By 8.45 am, the children, accompanied by their parents, arrived at the Tzu Chi Youth Humanistic Youth Centre, each beaming with smiles beneath the morning sun. The venue was already packed by 9 o’clock.
The event kicked off with the station games, where parents and their children participated in the games together and gained a lot from the fun.
The Jing Si Aphorisms Word Matching Game tested the tacit understanding between parents and children. The children and parents used the fishing method to “fish” for the words scattered all over the floor. After that, everyone brainstormed to form complete Jing Si Aphorisms with the retrieved words.
After the game, student Ng Qian Hern shared the Jing Si Aphorism that has always inspired him in life: "There is nothing in the world that cannot be accomplished unless you are unwilling to do so."
Ng Qian Hern said: "When I encounter difficulties in exams or physical education classes, I am motivated by this Jing Si Aphorism, and I tell myself that as long as I work hard, I will succeed. So, I would continue to try and eventually overcome the difficulties."
Ng Qian Hern's father expressed that over the year he participated in the Parent-Child Bonding Class, he observed his child actively applying the lessons learned. During this time, valuable qualities such as environmental consciousness and filial piety were instilled in the heart of his child. Ng Qian Hern now incorporates eco-friendly practices, like using eco bags when shopping. Furthermore, he demonstrates care for his parents by assisting with household chores, contributing to his growth into a young man with a sense of responsibility.
“How much do you know about sustainable living?”
The recently opened Glow On Gallery was one of the stations. The Parent-Child Bonding Class team provided a guided tour for families who came to take up the challenge. After visiting the gallery, parents and children learned about the carbon footprints of daily food, clothing, housing and transportation. They pondered what could be done as the “climate clock” continued to countdown.
A mother who came for a visit with her two children commented on the exhibition on fast fashion and carbon footprints of different diets in the sustainable living gallery and was deeply impressed because of the presentation of environmental protection knowledge in a direct and clear manner, making it relatable to everyday life.
Moved by the experience, she voiced her commitment to rethink her actions in the future. Inspired by the principle of "purity at source," she pledged to implement the initial step of the 5R concept of environmental protection—“Refuse”—with her children.
Food is the best comfort for the soul. During the culinary session, parents and children worked together to make delicious vegetarian snacks. The interaction between the parents and their children was harmonious as they tasted the food they prepared. Everyone gave thumbs up and praised each other’s good work.
12-year-old Weng Yun Xi from the Courage Class could not contain her tears when she watched the throwback video. She was reluctant to bid goodbye to her classmates and teachers, whom she spent so much of joyful times with. However, as her new school story would be unfolding, a trace of anticipation was seen flashing in her crystal tears.
During her one year in the Parent-Child Bonding Class, Weng Yun Xi shared that she had gained a lot and learned many important life values. She learned how to be grateful and care for her family. She also realised that parents are our most important supporters at times of difficulties, for they are the ones who protect us and provide us help when needed. She also learned that one should reach out to help when others need help.
Weng Yun Xi (first from right) serving lunch with her peers.
For her, the best memories are the Jing Si Aphorisms that she learned in the Parent-Child Bonding classes. Every Jing Si Aphorism conveys a truth of life. Although it is a simple sentence, it makes a huge difference when the teaching is practised in life, for it can lead us to become a better version of ourselves.
Weng Yun Xi shared that the Jing Si Aphorism she practised the most is “Kind words are like lotus flowers blooming out from your mouth; bad words are like poisonous snakes hissing out from your lips.” This aphorism taught her to consider whether her words would hurt others before saying them and cultivated her habit of speaking good words.
At the end of the event, the Parent-Child Bonding Class team distribute gifts to the students.
This year’s Parent-Child Bonding Class ended with the participants mutually giving blessings and expressing gratitude for each other. May the children pack up their troubles and open up the beauty within themselves. May they look forward to a happy life, open up the path for their future and move forward bravely. Their parents and Parent-Child Bonding Class teachers will always be there for them.
At the same time, heartfelt blessings were extended to the children in the Courage Class, wishing them a new journey filled with confidence and courage. May their future be as brilliant as the starry sky!
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