Fo Guang Shan Christchurch held the 12th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing from 12th to 20th May 2026. Three schools included Te Komanawa Rowley School, Wharenui School and Hornby High School participated in the programme, with nearly 400 teachers and students visiting the temple to learn about the values of the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings. FGS NZ Abbess Manshin personally guided the programme together with ten new volunteers.
There were a total of five sessions this year. The programme included a variety of activities such as a temple tour, watching The Life of the Buddha movie, meditation, Buddha bathing, making lotus origami, Bodhi Light Tales storytelling, Chinese calligraphy and learning the 3G4G song We Got It.
As Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery was also holding the Passing the Lamp of 60 Years, Honouring a 100-Year Legacy commemorative exhibition, Abbess Manshin specially added teaching sessions introducing the compassion and wisdom of Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of FGS Buddhist Order. Through these activities, participants learned about the Master’s compassion and wisdom and were encouraged to practise the Three Acts of Goodness in daily life.
BLIA members warmly welcomed all the students and teachers, and the temple also presented adorable 3G Bears as gifts for the students. After the programme, schools and parents actively shared their experiences and expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality and meaningful activities.
Te Komanawa Rowley School teacher Matua Omar was pleased to see how engaged the students were and praised the positive programme for encouraging values such as kindness and respect. Hornby High School teacher Raewyn Davis shared that teachers and students enjoyed meaningful and enriching learning experiences every year through the programme. Wharenui School teacher Cate Nolan said it was a valuable opportunity for students to experience interfaith learning, and parents also joined with open minds while learning how to apply the Three Acts of Goodness in daily life. She hoped the school could participate again in the future.
Students also happily shared their reflections. Student Robyn said learning Chinese calligraphy was a wonderful experience that helped calm the mind and was also the first time writing Chinese characters. Student Rihanna shared that folding lotus flowers was very enjoyable, and that the lotus taught her to stay strong and not be afraid of challenges. Student Natalie said she was delighted to receive the cute 3G Bear, which reminded her to be kind to others and speak good words.
The adorable 3G Bears became one of the highlights of this year’s festival and were very popular among the students. It is hoped that students will bring the bears home and continue practising the values of Do Good Deeds, Say Good Words, and Think Good Thoughts, spreading kindness throughout the community and helping create a better society together.
