Every year we celebrate National Education Day on May 2. This year’s celebration was a remarkable event filled with not only excitement and creativity, but also community spirit. For Tzu Chi Early Childhood School, the National Education Day celebration this year was marked by various competitions and charitable activities, emphasizing the important role of teachers in shaping the future while at the same time also extending support to those in need.
The highlight of the event was the series of competitions organized for teachers, showcasing their talents beyond the classroom. There were three main events:
1. Creative Learning Material Competition – Teachers demonstrated their creative and innovative approaches to make learning fun, engaging, and effective. The competition saw a variety of creative teaching aids, from interactive digital resources to hands-on learning, designed to enhance students’ understanding and participation.
2. Storytelling Competition – This competition highlighted the storytelling skills of the teachers to captivate their audiences with engaging tales as means to educate and entertain.
3. National Song Singing Competition – Teachers brought out the musical talents of the teachers. Participants performed patriotic songs, celebrating the nation’s heritage.
In addition to the competitions, teachers also participated in a heartfelt charity initiative. On Friday, May 24, 2024, a group of dedicated teachers, principals, and school coordinators, together with the representatives of the Parent-Teacher Association, visited a local orphanage, Panti Sosial Asuhan Anak Balita Tunas Bangsa in Cipayung to bring joy and support to the children residing there. The money for the donation came from the effort of the Tzu Chi students from selling things during the Entrepreneur Day Bazaar. The teachers themselves contributed 6 million worth of donations, which were used to purchase medicines and other daily necessities for the children. The PTA played a significant role in this charitable activity, donating essential supplies worth Rp. 9.500.000. The donation included milk, wet tissues, soap, and minyak kayu putih. Additionally, the PTA provided stationeries to encourage them to pursue their education.
The orphanage visit was filled with activities that brought smiles to the faces of the children. The teachers organized various games that surely brought joy to the children. Another activity was a storytelling session by Miss Rollies, who not only delivered a captivating story, but also taught the children the moral value of sharing with others.
The day concluded with the distribution of donations and a guided tour of the orphanage, giving the teachers a deeper understanding of the children’s lives and the challenges they face. This experience was enriching for both the teachers and the children, creating lasting memories and reinforcing the importance of compassion and community support.
