“Heart of a Child” Week Lives On!

Even though “Heart of a Child” Week-an event organized by Buddha’s Light International Association South Island Young Adult Division-concluded on the 5th of December, it has remained a hot topic.

On the 10th of December, the Chinese newspaper “New Zealand Messenger” published an article written by YAD 2 president Danny Chen about Heart Foundation’s visit on the 20th of November to Fo Guang Shan South Island Temple as part of the week long event. The article, together with an intriguing photo, touched the hearts of many BLIA and YAD members’ hearts, as the publication made them feel a sense of achievement for what they had contributed.

On the same day, the Heart Children New Zealand-Christchurch Branch sent a thank you letter and certificate to Fo Guang Shan South Island Temple to show their appreciation to YAD for their effort and kind hearts, and for inviting them to such an amazing event.

The parents who attended the event expressed their interest in the architectural design of the building, and felt that both the Temples Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery 2’s “Draw With Heart” exhibition enticed the children to let their own creativity flow. According to the parents’ feedback, the afternoon tea prepared especially for them was a memorable one. The effort YAD members put in to guiding the children around the temple were also much appreciated by the guardians of the children.

Ultimately, the “Heart of a Child” event has been a way for people to get in contact with Buddhism, and has allowed the love and care of the Temple to permeate through the community. At the same time, YAD members have also been able to gain more knowledge and develop in all domains, thus making this event a great success in all aspects.

Account by Fan-Ping Chiang and Sheng-Han Lim