September 9, 2024
Tzu Chi Preschool expresses love and gratitude on Grandparents Day
By Dorothy Castro
On September 6, Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines hosted its first event of the school year, Grandparents Day, at Tzu Chi’s Agno Street office in Quezon City. The auspicious celebration of love that grandparents have for their grandkids included student-led performances and gift-giving activities.
Each student prepared a handmade token of appreciation for their grandparents, which they gave with a thankful heart. The appreciative grandkids took turns expressing their gratitude through video messages and greeted their grandparents with a heartfelt embrace.
Jane Sy, school directress, opened the event with warm words for the grandparents who dedicated their time to attending the event and thanked them for the care they gave to their grandchildren.
“To our grandparents, you are the priceless pillar of our family. With your guidance and love, and all the effort and sacrifices that you have made, you all deserve a warm round of applause,” Sy shared.
The preschoolers very much appreciated the caring gestures of their grandparents, whom they affectionately refer to as their “ama, angkong, nana, and pawpaw.”
Distance is not a barrier either. To the joyful grandparent William Charles Brewer, better known as “Pawpaw Charlie” by his granddaughter Allegra, every opportunity to bond is precious time. Living in Cagayan De Oro, he only has a few occasions when he and Allegra could spend time together. Despite this, he knows every hobby that Allegra loves.
“I don't get to spend a lot of time, but when I'm here, I make sure I share my experiences with her, and I love being with her. Well, we play games at the house, and we play puzzles, and we paint. She loves to paint, [and] read books,” Brewer recounted.
Similarly, Emelita Tan, known by her granddaughter Harmonie as “Ama Emy,” was pleased to see her granddaughter’s joy in attending school. She also proudly talked about Harmonie’s gift to her, a treasured handmade card. "She gave it to me, it's like a handmade flower, and then when I pull it up, it will have color,” she described.
Icebreaker games were facilitated by Tzu Chi volunteer Lino Sy. Participants played games, such as arranging themselves by age and getting to know their birthdays.
A fun bonding activity ensued, wherein grandparents and their beloved grandchildren played with high energy for their teams to win. Two fun games were prepared, one being pyramid cups and shooting colorful balls into baskets. Joyful laughter was heard the whole morning, with each grandparent competitively striving to win for their grandkids.
Behind the scenes, the preparation for this event was truly a fulfilling one, as teaching and nonteaching staff overcame challenges in their activities. According to Jelly Ann Danieles, who led the planning of this event, the tight schedule and inclement weather brought about a newfound appreciation for the staff and students’ efforts.
Susan Cañete, young Lia’s grand-aunt, was very grateful for the preparations that everyone contributed. Celebrating her Grandparents Day for the first time at Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines, she was pleasantly surprised with the care put into each detail.
“You can see the hard work of the teachers, and then they also made it fun for the grandparents, not just the kids. They also want the grandparents to get together and get to know each other so they won’t feel out of place,” she says.
“I'm thankful to all the people who helped and made an effort to make the first event of our school successful,” said Danieles.
Students of Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines show a heartwarming sign language performance, thanking their grandparents.
Grandparents sincerely take in the words of appreciation by Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines Directress Jane Sy, who thanked them for taking good care of the young students.
A happy grandparent enjoys the fun games prepared by the preschool.
Students were very happy to perform for their grandparents.
Each grandchild and grandparent had a moving moment, embracing one another as they admired the handmade craft their grandchildren worked hard on.
William Charles Brewer (left), was happy to participate in the lovely event with family.
Grandparents happily look at their grandchildren’s work of art.
Grandparents happily look at their grandchildren’s work of art.
A preschooler gets a sweet kiss from her grandparent.
Grandparents happily take a photo together after receiving handmade gifts.
A young preschooler happily shows his artwork to his grandparent.
A proud grandparent poses with her grandson and his work of art.
Grandparents happily take a photo together after receiving handmade gifts.
Joyful smiles are present as families take memorable photos together during the celebration of Grandparents Day.
Happy grandparents pose for a photo as they receive their grandson’s handmade greeting card.
Grandparents happily take a photo together after receiving handmade gifts.
Each grandparent shares a memorable moment with their grandchild.
Grandparents are very thankful for their grandchildren’s efforts in the celebration.
Young students focus on learning how to play the games.
A grandparent and her grandchild enjoy a fun game of shooting the ball into a basket.
Grandparents and their beloved grandchildren all enjoy the fun games prepared by the teachers, volunteers, and staff.
Grandparents and their beloved grandchildren all enjoy the fun games prepared by the teachers, volunteers, and staff.
Tzu Chi volunteers enjoy helping in the fun games.
After the fun and heartwarming event, attendees happily pose for a photo.