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The educational mission of Tzu Chi Melbourne officially enters its 24th year. In 2002, local volunteers in Melbourne, deeply inspired by Master Cheng Yen’s teachings on "Jing Si Aphorism Education" and the belief that "education cannot wait," recognised that character education must take root from early childhood. Driven by this conviction, volunteers united to dedicate their heart and effort to education.

On July 20, 2003, the educational journey formally commenced with a "Happy Children’s Life Camp" attended by 45 students (growing from seven students in previous year）. On February 20, 2004, the team actively prepared the "Tzu Chi Children's Class“, which officially launched in March.

The curriculum fully adopts the "Five-Stage Jing Si Teaching Methodology," which encompasses Experience, Storytelling, Reflection, Meditation, and Practical Application.

The core philosophy of Jing Si Aphorism education is to integrate the spirit of "Great Love" into daily learning to elevate educational quality. We aim to guide both children and parents to experience the beauty and goodness of Jing Si Aphorisms, fostering mutual growth within families toward a purified heart and a harmonious society. Furthermore, we hope to unite more educators passionate about Jing Si teaching to cultivate this fertile field of education together.

Class teachers and mentors are served by dedicated education volunteers and Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth (Tzu Ching). Upholding the belief that "sincerity brings professionalism," every volunteer embraces their role as an educator with a deep sense of mission, accompanying each child with sincerity and patience.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 presented unprecedented challenges to face-to-face instruction. Guided by the principle that "education must never stop," the education team swiftly transitioned to online learning. During this period, parents, students, and volunteers connected via digital platforms to learn and grow together through adversity.

To accommodate growing enrolment, the team established the "Great Love Class," offering small-group online sessions to ensure every child received personalised interaction with teachers. That year, the Children’s Class was structured into four distinct classes: (Great Love), (Faith), (Perseverance), and (Courage).

In 2021, recognising the importance of generational succession, the team established the "Tzu Shao Class" (Tzu Chi Youth) specifically for junior high and high school students. Led by recent university graduates from Tzu Ching (Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth), these young mentors interact with teenagers in relatable ways, serving as inspiring role models and guides.

With steady growth in class numbers and student enrolment, the chapter began renting external facilities at the Nunawading Community Centre in 2022 to provide a more comprehensive learning environment. The venue evolved from the Tzu Chi Melbourne Office to online platforms, and ultimately to the community centre.

The class structure expanded from four to five classes, with the addition of a "Parenting Growth Class," bringing the total to six classes. Student enrolment grew from 45 in 2004 to approximately 80 in 2025, and the curriculum officially evolved from the early "Children's Class" into the "Humanistic Culture Class" (Humanities Class).

Learning in the Humanistic Culture Class extends beyond the classroom to include rich experiential activities such as Clean Up Australia Day, National Tree Day, nursing home visits, and major Tzu Chi community events.

We actively invite families to participate together, putting classroom values into practice. This not only enriches families through diverse experiences but also strengthens bonds and emotional connections between parents and children.

To deepen teaching impact, education volunteers gather before classes to study Buddhist scriptures and share personal insights. Through continuous self-directed learning, volunteers are better equipped to guide children along a positive life path.

Tzu Chi education is an interconnected ecosystem where parents, teachers, and students are all essential. Beyond teacher guidance and student participation, parental involvement is crucial. As parents learn alongside their children, they gain a deeper appreciation of Tzu Chi's educational principles and spirit.

We hope that a small seed of love will take root and sprout, gradually transforming a family, extending into the community, and ultimately benefiting society as a whole.