Medicine, education, and money talks at 4th Humanities classScholars learned about Tzu Chi’s missions and the meaning of true wealth
Education
At Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines in Quezon City, children learn not only academics but also values, guided by a curriculum rooted in compassion and respect.
“The hope of society lies in talents, and the hope of talents lies in education; the hope of families lies in children, and the hope of children also lies in education.”
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines marks 4th Moving Up Ceremony
For Irish Echeche, seeing her 4-year-old son Cassidy claim his certificate is a huge victory. Diagnosed with autism, he was enrolled in Tzu Chi upon the recommendation of his developmental pediatrician who asked his mother to put him in a progressive, play-based school. The Echeches live near Tzu Chi and attended one of the preschool’s open-house events. “It was love at first sight and a miracle for us,” says Irish.
In Tzu Chi, Cassidy thrived. He learned to go to the bathroom by himself, and now helps his mom with the dishes and laundry, and volunteers to plant trees.
“He was assessed by his developmental pediatrician last March and she was so shocked by his improvements,” reports Irish with pride. “From the first day of school till the very end, we saw Cassidy strive so hard. But it’s also because of the strong support of Tzu Chi.”
Education in the Philippines
- 2022
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines opens in Agno, Quezon City, Tzu Chi Philippines’ first step into the mission of education.
- 2023
The preschool holds its first Moving Up Ceremony.
- 2026
The toddler class holds its first Moving Up Ceremony in May, and the first kindergarten class opens on July 31.
Education across Tzu Chi
The need for medical education paved the way for Tzu Chi to make education another of its main missions. The Junior College of Nursing opened in Hualien in 1989 and would become the Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, with a college of medicine established by 1994. By 2000, the institution offered complete education for students, from toddlers to doctoral candidates. Yet, while Buddhism is on the curriculum, Tzu Chi never requires the conversion of volunteers of students. As one nursing student said in an interview, “Neither the master nor her followers ever told us we should become devoted to Buddhism. And the strange thing is, since there is no one to push us, most of us are studying the books on Buddhism willingly.”
Tzu Chi strives to nurture the youth with aspirations, sound character, and healthy minds and bodies, through the teaching of moral values and living skills, and providing a holistic education.
More stories
Medicine, education, and money talks at 4th Humanities class
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines celebrates United Nations DayThe learners of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines pose together in their vibrant cultural costumes.
Preschoolers celebrate Grandparents Day at Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool PhilippinesA nostalgic celebration brought children and grandparents together through dance, greetings, and bracelet-making, strengthening family bonds.
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See the programs
The Eight Footprints
CharityThe first mission
MedicineFree clinics and TIMA
EducationGreat Love Preschool
Humanistic cultureMedia with values
Bone marrow donationSince 1993
Community volunteerismOrganised by neighbourhood
Environmental protectionRecycling and eco living
International reliefFive principles