Supporting Education and Fostering Community Care 

On March 25, 2025, the Tzu Chi Sydney hosted its Tzu Chi Education Assistance Award Ceremony at the Sydney Jing Si Hall. Filled with warmth and hope, the event provided financial assistance to thirty-one students from Burwood Girls High School and Marsden High School, allowing them to focus on their studies without the worry of financial strain. 

The aid consisted of AUD 1,000 (approximately USD 670) awarded to 29 students and AUD 500 (approximately USD 335) granted to two others. The funds were designed to cover essential school expenses such as tuition, uniforms, extracurricular activities, and electronic learning tools. 

Moments of Gratitude and Celebration 

Distinguished guests, including City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown, Councillors Lyndal Howison and Kathy Tracey, along with a total of four representatives from the city government, attended the event to offer their support and encouragement to the students. Joining them were teachers, parents, and school officials, who witnessed this heartwarming exchange of love and blessings. 

A highlight of the ceremony was the demonstration of vegetarian cooking, where students worked alongside Tzu Chi volunteers to make turmeric rice balls and soy milk boba tea. The hands-on activity was not only a celebration of plant-based cuisine but also a way to foster connections and joy. 

Ryde City Mayor Trenton Brown (second right), Councillor Lyndal Howison (first left), and government officials joined students in preparing turmeric rice balls. | Photo: Mei-Feng Lin | Australia | 2025/03/25

 Inspiring Environmental Consciousness 

This cooking experience carried a deeper message. Volunteer Alice Guan explained the nutritional benefits of turmeric rice balls, while Shanne Yu introduced attendees to the process of making soy milk boba tea. Both volunteers shared insights about how plant-based diets benefit personal health and the planet. 

LEFT: Alice Guan (left) enthusiastically explains the making of turmeric rice balls to participants. RIGHT: Shanne Yu (left) demonstrated the process of making soy milk boba tea, offering guests a deeper appreciation of vegetarian culture. | Photos: Mei-Feng Lin | Australia | 2025/03/25

Additionally, volunteer Stacey Weng presented an educational video on environmental protection, emphasizing how dietary choices affect climate change. The students left feeling inspired to eat more plant-based meals, recognizing them as both a health-conscious and environmentally responsible choice. 

Transforming Lives Through Educational Aid 

The subsidy had a profound impact on the students’ lives. Nina (alias) plans to use her aid to purchase a laptop to help her study more effectively and efficiently, while Sally (alias) expressed gratitude for the financial relief it provided her family. Sean Castle, Deputy Principal of Marsden High, shared success stories of past recipients. One student, supported by Tzu Chi, went on to enroll at Macquarie University, while another leveraged the aid to join an elite sports program and eventually play for a semi-professional team. 

Marsden High School Principal Sean Castle (third right, front) with Tzu Chi volunteers and student representatives during the award presentation. Photo: Xian-Hui Pi Australia 2025/03/25

 Planting Seeds for a Compassionate Future 

The event extended beyond financial assistance to foster community connections and spread love. Mayor Brown praised Tzu Chi for its dedication to education and its contributions to multicultural unity. 

One impactful initiative during the event was the distribution of thirty-one bamboo banks to encourage students and families to embrace the cycle of giving. This thoughtful gesture inspired recipients to give back to society whenever they had the chance. 

Through their combined efforts, Tzu Chi volunteers not only addressed students’ financial challenges but also inspired them to dream bigger, give back, and care for the planet. As they aptly expressed: education is a seed, and love is the nurturing force that helps it grow into endless possibilities.