The 12th 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing commenced its 6th to 8th teaching sessions on 5 May 2026. Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple at Auckland welcomed more than 600 teachers, students and parents from Manurewa Central School, Dawson Primary School and St Anne’s Catholic School throughout the day. The students’ joyful smiles and lively energy filled the Temple with vitality.
Associate Principal Anna LATULIPE from Dawson Primary School, shared that the transition between each activity was smooth and well coordinated. She noted that the organisers thoughtfully adjust the programme each year, bringing new surprises to teachers and students. The school has participated in the event for many consecutive years, gaining much from each visit, and she was pleased to see the event continue to grow in scale, attracting more schools to take part.
Jan ENE, Deputy Principal of Manurewa Central School, shared that she was deeply moved by her first experience at the event, saying that she felt she had “missed out on many wonderful experiences in the past.” She said the students thoroughly enjoyed the activities and especially appreciated the educational values of goodness and beauty conveyed through the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings (3G4G). She also hoped to bring the 3G4G song back to school so that more students could learn and sing it.
Accompanying teacher Laura said the programme was rich, inspiring and highly engaging, with students responding positively to all activities. Another teacher, visiting the Temple for the first time, was pleasantly surprised to discover such a peaceful and beautiful environment in East Auckland. She also praised the values of kindness and respect conveyed through 3G4G, and looked forward to further discussion and reflection with students after returning to school.
Student Khai said he enjoyed making lotus flowers and singing the 3G4G song the most. As the lotus is his mother’s favourite flower, the activity felt especially meaningful to him. Amelia enjoyed placing her wishing card and came to understand the importance of kindness and gratitude. She was also delighted to receive the 3G Bear gifted by the Temple. Mayna praised the Three Goodness Rice highly, saying that even after eating two large bowls, she still wanted more. Marc especially liked the red clothing worn by the 3G Bear and said he would treasure it. He also looked forward to visiting the Temple again with his family in the future. Parent John praised the programme for combining both active and quiet activities, saying he could feel the great care and thoughtfulness behind the event.
Lentine FIDOW, Director of Religious Studies at St Anne’s Catholic School, shared that she had visited the Temple many times for events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival and art salons, and has always had a wonderful experience. After bringing Year 7 and 8 students last year and receiving an enthusiastic response, she returned this year with students from Years 5 to 8. She thanked the Temple for its long-term dedication to educational and cultural activities. Student Maria learned the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, while Mapui shared that the police interaction session taught him to make the right choices and help others.
This year, the organisers specially created adorable 3G Bears as gifts for the students, making them a major highlight of the festival and much loved by all. As the students brought the 3G Bears home, the spirit of goodness and beauty embodied in Do Good Deeds, Say Good Words and Think Good Thoughts was shared with families and the wider community, bringing warmth and positive energy to society.
