‘With love in our hearts, we can act as a positive influence on others’ - Jing Si Aphorism by Master Cheng Yen.

Mr Ronny Hermawan, Head of Yayasan Pancaran Tridharma with 22 teachers and staff from Sekolah Ananda Bekasi visited Tzu Chi School on August 22, 2019. The intention of this visit was mainly to understand Tzu Chi School’s humanistic values and its application through teaching. ‘I am thankful for such a warm welcome from Tzu Chi, I am hoping that today we can learn and see the application of humanistic culture in this school,’ said Mr Hermawan.

During the morning gathering at Tzu Chi School VIP room, there were a couple of presentations by our School Director Mr Sudino Lim and our Marketing Manager, which provided insights into Tzu Chi School’s history and profile. 

'It takes months to build a school building, but it takes years to teach and build someone's character. Us at Tzu Chi School come from different backgrounds, but we have one mission, to instill humanistic culture to our children,’ said Mr Lim. He also added that, by prioritizing humanistic education, doesn't mean we neglect students' academic development. 

'Can you believe? Despite last year being our first, our Secondary students did very well on the National Exams. We ranked number 67 out of 500 schools in Jakarta. This shows that, students with great manner, automatically will have a self-respect and discipline to study well.'

On this occasion, our guests were also briefed on Tzu Chi School’s teaching philosophy of Gratitude, Respect, and Love, that encourage children to apply these values into their daily life, including express gratitude, respect, and love to their parents, teachers, animals, and the environment.

In one of the discussions, Tzu Chi Primary Principal, Ms Caroline Widjanarko explained the importance of learning daily life skills for children, ‘Teaching students basic daily life skills such as doing the washing up, ironing, and cooking encourage children learn to respect others who have helped them in doing so. Besides, by having these skills, they will be able to do it themselves in the future. Learning how to take care of things on your own is also a form of respect yourself, it’s a great start to show respect to others.’ 

Following the morning gathering, respective principals and vice principals from our three schools, took our guests to tour around the school building, based on the year they teach. The walk around the school is hoped to provide them with insights Tzu Chi School’s activities, teaching, and learning experience that takes place both inside and outside the classrooms.  

Ms Yuni Widya, Sekolah Ananda Bekasi’s marketing officer expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to visit the school, ‘I am glad to be able to understand the school better, there are so many things I learn today. Tzu Chi School is immaculately clean, the teachings and activities are very inspiring. I never realised how important it is to teach daily life skills, and I really like how you celebrate Mother’s Day.’