TASKA Than Hsiang Bukit Mertajam and TASKA Than Hsiang Simpang Ampat held its 1st. Graduation and Annual Concert at The Summit Hotel on the 19th of Oct. 2008.

By 1.30pm, more than 250 parents and family members packed the hall.

In his address, Ven. Zhen Ru, representing Ven.Wei Wu, the Abbot of Than Hsiang, stressed that Than Hsiang Organization will continue to set up kindergartens and childcare centres in various housing areas to serve the community concerned.

The Venerable recalled that Than Hsiang Kindergarten was established in 1991 at Than Hsiang Temple in Bayan Baru in accordance to the First Than Hsiang Conviction, i.e. “The Young To Learn”. During the past 17 years of operations, the teachers have been continuously upgrading their teachings knowledge and skills to provide the best and latest effective teaching methods to the children.

The Venerable advocated that parents play a very important role in nurturing their children. Parents were encouraged to attend parenting talks organized by the organization where experienced knowledgeable speakers are invited to share experiences and advice on positive parenting skills.

The Venerable also said that children at this age learn very fast and as such, it is important to impart the values of practicing wholesome deeds in the moral development of the children so that they will grow up with the good habits.

Everyday is a learning process for the teachers and children and together they develop the values of compassion, forbearance and bodhicitta and these invaluable practices will develop the children into wholesome citizens. The Venerable also joyously wish that when our TASKA Than Hsiang children grow up, they can serve Than Hsiang organization to fulfill Than Hsiang convictions, namely “The Strong To Serve”; “The Fit To Serve”; “The Old and Sick To Be Cared For”; and “The Departed To Find Spiritual Destination.”

In her Speech, the principal of Than Hsiang Kindergarten thanked the parents for their overwhelming support in taking time off to be present at the function. She also stressed that the kindergarten believes in holistic education and provides activities that stimulate the mental, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development of the child.

Besides developing a well-rounded curriculum, it is equally important that positive deeds like sharing, taking turns, consideration for others, gratitude, appreciation, self discipline and mutual respect among the various are instilled at this important age.

She also reported that Than Hsiang Kindergarten had a humble start of 90 children and with the establishment of the present 4 branches, it now has an enrolment of 650 children.
The principal congratulated the 18 six-year old graduates and reminded them not only to excel in their academic pursuit but also to continue to practise filial piety and respect for the elders as they have learnt from the Buddhist teachings of The Ten Good Deeds.

The much awaited concert begun immediately after the graduation and prize-giving ceremony. The children dressed in colourful costumes, presented both cultural and modern dances to the delight of the audience.

There was also a recitation of the Ten Good Deeds by the children:

1. Filial to one’s parents.
2. Respect for teachers and elders.
3. Belief in cause and effect.
4. Study diligently.
5. Avoid bad companions.
6. Do not kill and mistreat animals.
7. Do not rob and steal.
8. Do not tell lies and say abusive words.
9. Do not take cigarettes, alcohol and drugs
10. Do not read unbeneficial materials.

The finale event for the day was the “Passing On the Lights” led by Ven. Zhen Ru. It was an awesome sight with LED candles, held and waved by the staff, children and audience, fluttering in the dark hall. The concert ended at about 3.00pm