Prize Giving Ceremony for Art and Writing Competition as a Part of Festival of Culture Sharing

The first ever held “Festival of Culture Sharing” attracted over 1500 local students to experience Buddhism’s values and culture at Fo Guang Shan North Island. On 21st June, a prize giving ceremony was held at the temple to recognise winners of the event’s colouring in and writing competition. It was attended by over 60 people including Baverstock Oaks Primary Principal Mary Wilson, Mission Heights College Representative Jamie Kent and parents and students. Venerable Abbess Manshin, BLIA North Island President Dolly Tsai and Manurewa Police Area Commander Richard Wilkie were invited to present prizes for the competition.

Commander Wilkie spoke on behalf of the police to reaffirm the importance of Humanistic Buddhism’s “3 Good Deeds and 4 Kinds of Giving” during our daily lives. Through these co-operative activities with the temple he hopes to teach these young students to become responsible citizens of the future. He also reassured continued police support for the temple to ensure social harmony for our society.

This was followed by President Dolly congratulating the winning students. She hopes these children motivate themselves through “3 Good Deeds and 4 Kinds of Giving” by facing life with a pure heart of courage and sincerity. She also encouraged parents and teachers to co-operate regarding education for the next generation.

Then Abbess Manshin spoke about the temple’s function as providing convenience for society, which is revealed through the simple ideals of “3G4G” where value of faith can be witnessed in action. The temple is also a recharge station for people to find themselves and obtain strength. She also thanked the police for their support and schools for participation. From the competition she can clearly see the children’s immense creativity and imagination.
Finally Principal Wilson thanked the temple for this culture event on behalf of the school faculty. She hopes to have future co-operation with the temple and presented gifts of flowers and thank you card personally made by the students to the temple. Jamie Kent also expressed appreciation toward this festival’s immense values at teaching the students how to have respect, gratitude, honesty and making right choices in life.

Winning students Alina Hayat and Grave Hazell praised the temple’s environment, people and religious atmosphere. They agreed to always practice the 3 Good Deeds and 4 Kinds of Giving to self-improve and benefit others.