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Vegetarian Education

On November 10, 2011, Tzu Chi volunteers conducted their first vegetarian education session at Ipswich State High School. This opportunity arose from the positive impact of Jing Si Aphorism teaching at Brassall State School. When the President of the Parent-Teacher Association, Shelley, saw her child advance to Ipswich State High, she introduced the volunteers to the then-principal, Simon Riley.

Recognising that most Australians have a predominantly meat-based diet, volunteer Julia Wu thoughtfully introduced vegetarian cooking as a way to inspire teachers and students to adopt a more plant-based lifestyle, guided by the principle of loving and protecting the Earth. Each session benefited over 200 teachers and students, receiving enthusiastic responses. Through these interactions, volunteers built warm, family-like bonds with the school community.

Volunteers visited the school one to two times each year to conduct classes. By 2015, they further incorporated Master Cheng Yen’s stories and Jing Si Aphorisms into the curriculum, allowing both teachers and students to be nourished by the Dharma. This continued until the program was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic

In May 2024, volunteers received an invitation from a teacher to return to the campus. Since then, vegetarian education sessions have resumed and are now held regularly once a year, continuing to promote mindful living and compassion through plant-based practices.