May 29, 2024
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool honors parents during 1st Filial Piety Day
By Dorothy Castro
On May 24, Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines held its first ever Filial Piety Day and invited the parents of 12 preschool students as a form of thanksgiving as it wrapped up the students’ school year before their moving up program.
The students, all enthusiastic to embrace their parents, brought two cups of tea as a form of gratitude. With big smiles they carried their trays, setting them down for the parents to take three sips of tea. After which, they offered a very deep bow to their parents, thanking them for all the love and dedication in taking care of them.
Parents were moved to tears as they embraced their children after the bow. With an upbeat surprise, the students also performed a fun dance for their parents.
“Love and gratitude” were the words highlighted during this day. And it was not only the children who were extremely grateful for the parents’ support. Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez expressed his gratitude for all the parents who entrusted their children’s education to the preschool.
“We are grateful for your trust and support despite this being a new school,” he said. Two years prior, Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines opened its doors to its first batch of students, the pioneer students of the foundation’s mission of education. Tzu Chi volunteers were grateful to the parents for their unwavering trust towards the preschool throughout their children’s two-year stay.
To each parent, their children’s milestone is a gift. From their first words and first steps, to their first day of school, these special moments remind parents how much their children have grown as they learned different skills and Tzu Chi values.
Ching Ching Wong, mother of Nathan, a student at Great Love Preschool, witnessed her son’s growing creativity and development in following the Tzu Chi values. “He’s talkative, in a sense that he uses books and creates stories out of the pictures that he sees,” Wong shared. She also felt that Tzu Chi Preschool was a happy place for Nathan, as he always looked forward to going to school every day.
That is why this day was made more special as she received a gesture of gratitude from her son, Nathan. “In the first part, I saw my son kneel and offer me tea. [These are] super simple things, but they meant a lot,” Wong expressed.
Anna Karina Ang, mother to preschool student Athena, saw her daughter conquer her fears and reservations as she courageously started her new adventure as a preschool student. That is why Ang felt great happiness at the care given by Athena’s teachers during her schooling.
Hence, this event was particularly memorable for her and fellow parents as they received a cup of tea from their children. “It was heartwarming, and we were teary-eyed. It’s very heartwarming and nice to feel that appreciation from the kid. At a very young age, they already know how to appreciate their parents,” Ang explained.
Through the care and love of the teachers and staff, the young learners can share the same kindness to people around them. For parents Wilson and Chun Chun Hung, they witnessed their youngest daughter Sephora Hung grow as she completed her preschool years. “Sephora has learnt to be grateful, respectful, and loving,” Chun Chun shared.
One thing that Nathan’s mom promises, is to never pressure her son. “I just want to let him grow. We’re here to support and nurture them. There is still a lot of time, and there are still many things he can experience.” Wong tearfully said. She emphasized the importance of letting Nathan learn and apply these values on his own, and not pressuring him through expectations.
“He’s only 4 years old now, I don’t want to be too hard on him,” Wong explained. She emphasized the importance of letting Nathan learn and apply these values on his own, and not pressuring him through expectations.
To stay by her daughter’s side through every life experience, is a promise that Athena’s mom made “Thank you for always listening to us, for always doing your best, and for always being brave,” was Ang’s message to daughter.
“We know that we have entrusted them in really good hands,” she said with certainty. This is what the teachers and staff of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines always work diligently towards, that is ensuring that the students are cared for at school and are taught Tzu Chi values.
“When we were planning this event, we did our best to incorporate the value of filial piety in our celebration,” Pre-kindergarten teacher Marie Joy “MJ” Seno explained. In doing this program, they aimed to teach students how to show respect and gratitude to their parents.
Teacher MJ hopes to see these same values in the students as they complete their preschool journey. “We hope that you still practice it in your daily life, even when you are not in Tzu Chi anymore. And I hope that you also remember us, your teachers, here in Tzu Chi,” she says.
“Love and Gratitude” was highlighted as preschool students thanked their parents for the love and support they received.
Cups of tea are prepared for the parents.
Two cups of tea are placed in each tray for the preschool students to serve to their parents.
Preschool students happily waited for the program to start, carrying their trays.
A preschool student enthusiastically looks for his parents while carrying the tea he will offer to them.
Two preschool students happily smile while carrying their trays with care.
A mother emotionally embraces her child as she receives the cup of tea.
A family member expresses her gratitude for the cup of tea.
Ching Ching Wong (Right) embraces her son Nathan.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (left) accepts a cup of tea from Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool student Sephora Hung.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool students offered a sincere bow to their parents.
Parents watched a short video presentation of their children saying thank you.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool School Directress Jane Sy hosted the program.
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Teacher Marie Joy Seno also hosted the program.
Preschool students performed a fun and upbeat dance to their parents.
Preschool students performed a fun and upbeat dance to their parents.
Parent Ching Ching Wong shared her treasured moments with the teachers and staff of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool.
Anna Karina Ang (Left) posed for a fun photo with her family after the Filial Piety Day program.
Teacher Marie Joy Seno (right) happily interacts with her student.
Jelly Ann Danieles poses for a photo with her students.
Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez thanked the parents for their support to Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool.
Tzu Chi Officers, teachers, staff, parents, and students posed for a photo after the Filial Piety Day Program.