Tzu Chi Education in Melbourne

Tzu Chi Melbourne’s educational mission officially entered its 23rd year. It began with four volunteers in Melbourne, who, inspired by Master Cheng Yen’s teachings of "Jing Si Aphorisms" and the belief that education cannot wait, deeply understood the importance of laying a strong educational foundation from an early age. Together, they decided to dedicate themselves to education, contributing their time and effort with passion.

On July 20, 2003, the journey began with a "Happy Children’s Life Camp," which started with only seven to eight students. By the following year, the number of students increased to 45, leading to the decision to organise a Tzu Chi Children’s Class. The class officially started in March 2004, divided into groups based on the values of Faith, Perseverance, and Courage. Each class followed the "Jing Si Aphorisms" teaching method, which includes five key steps: Experience, Storytelling, Reflection, Still Thoughts, and Practical Application.

The core philosophy of the "Jing Si Aphorisms" teaching method is to integrate the spirit of "Great Love" into education to enhance the quality of learning. The goal is not only to teach but also to guide students and their families to experience the beauty of Jing Si Aphorisms, fostering mutual growth among parents and children and promoting the purification of hearts and the harmony of society. Tzu Chi also hopes to invite more teachers passionate about "Jing Si Aphorisms" education to join hands in cultivating the field of education.

Every class is taught by volunteer educators and Tzu Chi youth. What’s most important is that, whether or not one is a full-time teacher, as long as they are dedicated, anyone can become a teacher.

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, the traditional face-to-face teaching model was disrupted. However, the education process could not stop. Therefore, the education team began promoting online courses. During this time, parents, students, and volunteer educators interacted and learned through online platforms, allowing everyone to continue advancing and growing despite the challenging environment. At the same time, with the increase in the number of students, a new "Great Love Class" was added, and small group online teaching was implemented to ensure that every child could have an interactive opportunity with their teacher. That year, the children’s classes expanded to four groups: Great Love Class, Faith Class, Perseverance Class, and Courage Class.

In 2021, there was a profound realisation of the importance of educational inheritance. Tzu Chi Youth (慈青) serves as role models for younger students, but there was a gap between the elementary school level and Tzu Chi Youth, which lacked a specific stage for high school-age students. Thus, a "Tzu Shao" class was established for students in middle and high school. The Tzu Shao classes are led by Tzu Chi youth who have just graduated from high school, as they can better relate to this age group and serve as role models for the students.

In 2022, as the number of classes and students grew, the center began renting additional venues beyond the Tzu Chi Melbourne office, such as the Nunawading Community Activity Center, to accommodate more students and classes. That year, the number of classes grew from the original three to five, with a Parent Growth Class added, bringing the total to six classes. The number of students also grew from 45 in 2004 to around 100, and the curriculum shifted from the original "Children’s Advancement Class" to the "Humanistic Class."

The curriculum of the Humanistic Class extends beyond classroom learning and includes extracurricular activities, such as Australian Clean Up Day, Tree Planting Day, care for elderly homes, and major Tzu Chi events. We invite Humanistic Class families to participate in these activities, helping them to apply what they have learned in real life and fostering family interaction and emotional connection.

In addition to student learning, volunteer educators gather before classes to study Buddhist scriptures, share their personal insights, and deepen their understanding of the teachings. Through this shared learning process, volunteers can guide children more effectively, helping them stay on the right path in life.

In addition to student learning, volunteer educators gather before classes to study Buddhist scriptures, share their personal insights, and deepen their understanding of the teachings. Through this shared learning process, volunteers can guide children more effectively, helping them stay on the right path in life.

Tzu Chi Education is an interconnected process that requires the involvement of parents, teachers, and students. It is not only about the guidance from teachers and the participation of students, but also the essential involvement of parents. Parents learn the course content together with their children and gain an understanding of Tzu Chi’s educational philosophy and teaching spirit. Our hope is to sow a small seed of love, nurture it, and gradually influence a family, expand to the community, and ultimately reach society as a whole.

We pray together — that the world will be filled with love, harmony, and goodness.