A 15-year partnership built on mutual trust and educational support reached a meaningful milestone on September 18, 2026, at Brassall State School in Queensland, Australia. Nearly 400 students, faculty members, and volunteers gathered in the school auditorium to award scholarships and share the spirit of daily giving. What began as emergency assistance following severe regional flooding in 2011 has grown into a sustained effort that integrates environmental awareness, character education, and student aid into the school community.
LEFT: Acting Principal Rachel accepts scholarship support on behalf of the school and expresses gratitude for years of volunteer support. RIGHT: Volunteers from Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Taiwan gather with Acting Principal Rachel during the event. | Photos: Ming-Te Hung
Fifteen years of educational partnership
The relationship between volunteers and Brassall State School originated in the aftermath of the 2011 Brisbane floods. Volunteers assisted in clearing debris from the school grounds, donated electrical appliances and library books, and introduced character education through Jing Si Aphorisms. Over the past decade and a half, volunteers from the Gold Coast Service Center have continuously engaged with local schools across Australia, presenting programs on plant-based nutrition, environmental stewardship, and ethical values.
To ease financial burdens on families, volunteers provide 6,000 AUD in scholarships twice a year, helping 12 selected students cover essential educational expenses such as textbooks and tuition fees. Reflecting on this sustained involvement, David Liu (劉濟雨), Deputy CEO of the Tzu Chi Foundation, noted that building lasting relationships with mainstream schools requires patience, perseverance, and genuine care across cultural and language differences.
LEFT: Biannual scholarships of 6,000 AUD assist 12 students with tuition and books, easing financial burdens for families. RIGHT: Volunteer Julia Wu shares the story of the Bamboo Bank Era, encouraging daily acts of giving and compassion. | Photos: Ming-Te Hung
Bridging cultures through shared values
Establishing deep roots in local communities often begins with overcoming language barriers. Julia Wu (吳照峰), head of Tzu Chi's Gold Coast Service Center, recalled seeking guidance from Master Cheng Yen when the local facility was first established. When Wu expressed concern about language limitations, Master Cheng Yen reassured her that understanding the core principles of compassion mattered far more than linguistic fluency. Former center lead Frank Wen (溫慶玄) and his team also laid a strong foundation for local operations, securing resources to ensure long-term community outreach.
During the September 18 assembly, over 60 teachers—including several off-duty staff members—joined the student body in the auditorium. Acting Principal Rachel presented a slide showcase highlighting the 15-year history of community support, demonstrating the deep trust developed between the school and volunteers.
LEFT: Fifth and sixth graders spontaneously rise to drop coins into the bamboo coin banks passing through the hall. RIGHT: A young student approached volunteer Julia Wu after the event to share her appreciation for the gifts received. | Photos: Ming-Te Hung
Spontaneous giving sparks inspiration
After the scholarship presentation, Wu shared the story of the Bamboo Bank Era—a tradition originating 60 years ago where thirty housewives saved small amounts of spare change daily to fund charitable work. She invited members of the school community to contribute small coins, emphasizing that the spirit of giving is measured by intention rather than monetary value.
As volunteers carried bamboo coin banks through the auditorium, the response exceeded expectations. Seeing the bamboo banks pass by, fifth- and sixth-grade students spontaneously stood up one after another to drop their pocket money into the bamboo banks. Coins ranging from ten cents to two dollars—alongside bills—clinked into the coin banks, filling the hall with enthusiasm.
Seeing people of different backgrounds and cultures working together showed me that love and dedication to education are universal. What moved me most was seeing children willingly offer their own pocket money to help others. — Chin-Yao Tsai (蔡金腰), Member of Taiwan Teachers Association
Visitors from Taiwan, including educator Feng-Yueh Huang (黃鳳月), expressed deep respect for the discipline and respectful atmosphere maintained by the students throughout the gathering. All funds raised through the bamboo banks during the assembly were donated back to Brassall State School to support student welfare programs alongside the regular scholarships.
From disaster cleanup in 2011 to shared moments of daily giving today, the sustained connection with Brassall State School demonstrates how consistent care can build trust across cultures. By encouraging students and educators to participate in simple acts of kindness, the initiative fosters empathy and civic responsibility, leaving a lasting impact on the school community.
Written by Eileen Zhang (張紅), Wan-Wen Hung (洪婉雯), and Flora Peng (彭雲華)
