On December 17, 2024, the event hall at SJKC Shin Cheng (Harcroft) Primary School in Selangor, Malaysia, was filled with a palpable sense of warmth. One by one, students gently took the hands of their teachers, principals, and school board members, guiding them to their seats. This simple, touching gesture opened a special Gathering of Gratitude, an event planned by a team of volunteer Great Love Mothers to give students a platform to express their appreciation and celebrate a year of shared growth and learning.

The event was the culmination of a two-year character education program. Since 2022, after pandemic restrictions were lifted, the Great Love Mothers team has been visiting the school’s fifth-grade classes once a month. Through stories, activities, and Jing Si Aphorisms (short, insightful sayings by Master Cheng Yen), they have explored themes of self-love, respect for life, honesty, and cooperation with 110 students. This final session was dedicated entirely to gratitude.

The Power of a Simple Phrase

A highlight of the event was a pre-recorded video where students and their teachers shared how the lessons had impacted their daily lives. The aphorisms were not just words to be memorized, but tools that helped them navigate challenges in their relationships and studies.

Many students shared that the phrase, "Anger is temporary madness that will make you ugly," had a profound effect. They learned to manage their tempers during conflicts with siblings and parents, fostering more harmonious family relationships. One girl recalled how she used to get angry with her mother often, but after learning this aphorism, their bond grew closer.

Another aphorism, "With a willing heart, you have infinite capabilities," inspired students to persevere. One student credited it with helping her focus on her studies, leading to a significant improvement in her grades. Another shared how it gave her the motivation to master the violin. Hui-Ni Li (李卉妮) recalled a group project where her team was about to give up. She encouraged them with the aphorism, "A good deed is accomplished through the joint efforts of you, me, and others," and together, they completed an excellent essay.

The teachers witnessed these changes firsthand. "The students have become more sensitive to each other's emotions," said Jian-Lu Wang (王建祿), the teacher for class 5K. "They now actively comfort or help classmates who are feeling down."

Hui-Yu Cui (崔慧予), the teacher for class 5P, shared a humorous and telling anecdote. The students, she noted, have so internalized the aphorisms that when she gets frustrated over homework, they gently remind her, "Anger is temporary madness, Teacher. You need to cool down." This simple reminder has helped ease tension and foster a more respectful and understanding classroom.

Gratitude in Action

The students' gratitude was not just spoken; it was demonstrated through heartfelt actions. Twenty-nine students took the stage to perform "Grateful Every Day" in sign language. Their synchronized movements and focused expressions conveyed the song's message: every day, every event, and every person is a reason to be thankful.

"I practiced for half an hour every day," shared performer Jia-Sen Peng (彭鉫森). "I learned that gratitude isn't just something you say; it's something you show through your actions."

This sentiment was beautifully captured in a moving appreciation ceremony. Students took on various roles, from ushers to performers. Kai-Qing Huang (黃楷晴), a student who co-hosted the event, shared how she overcame her initial nervousness. "I realized that fear is often just in your mind," she said, proud of her successful and memorable experience.

In a series of rituals, students first presented warm tea to their teachers. With focused reverence, they approached them, holding the cups with both hands. "Thank you, teacher. Please have some tea," they said softly, a simple act that conveyed profound respect.

Next, another group of students presented their teachers with red pens, a symbol of their guidance. "Teacher, we will always remember your teachings," they pledged. Finally, students offered gifts, including a 2025 Jing Si Aphorism calendar and handmade bookmarks, saying, "We wish you peace and good health."

A Campus Transformed

The positive changes in the students did not go unnoticed by the school's leadership. "Great Love Mothers, you have succeeded!" said Principal Mu-Lan Guan (官木蘭) in her address. "You have made the students look forward to your arrival with such anticipation."

She praised the volunteers for their professionalism and for bringing a program that aligns perfectly with the school's educational goals. "From being unfamiliar with the aphorisms to now having them on the tips of their tongues and putting them into practice, the students' transformation is gratifying," she said. "They have become braver and more confident."

Board member Cai-Quan Chen (陳財泉) was astonished to see a student he knew to be hyperactive since first grade standing calmly on stage, performing sign language with his peers. PTA Chairman Jin-Wei Lu (呂錦威) was deeply touched by the sincerity radiating from the students. "Those joyful smiles were so genuine and moving," he remarked. "Their performance was admirable."

As the event drew to a close, the Great Love Mothers received a surprise of their own. The students of class 5H had secretly made bouquets of paper flowers. They approached the volunteers, presenting the flowers with hugs and words of thanks. Tears of joy streamed down the volunteers' faces as they embraced the children, a testament to the fact that the seeds of love and gratitude they had planted were already beginning to blossom.

Written by Kai-Fen Chang (張凱芬) and Yi-Wen Yao (姚伊紋)

Source: 攜手共善啓發學子 開創美好未來