The 3G4G Festival of Culture Sharing 2024 at Fo Guang Shan Christchurch welcomed almost 250 students and teachers from Wharenui Primary School, Te Komanawa Rowley School and Hornby High School on 15th, 16th and 22nd May respectively. The education program aimed to promote cultural exchange based on the 3G4G values.
Nearly 2,000 students, principals, teachers and parents have attended the 3G4G education program since it began in 2018. This year’s event featured various cultural activities, including calligraphy, meditation, Temple tours, watching the Life of the Buddha movie and singing the 3G4G song. Ringing the bell in the courtyard, students expressed their hopes for the future and wished for peace and harmony in society. BLIA members led students in Tai Chi exercises and sang the 3G4G song, spreading joy through active participation. The students and teachers also sang in appreciation to the Temple team, vowing to bring more positive energy to the community.
The NZP Senior Constable Brad Hagerty has supported the program for three consecutive years, educating students about the safety lesson. Snr Const Hagerty enjoyed the interactions and shared the values of respect and inclusivity with the students.
FGS NZ Venerable Abbess Manshin stated that the team follows Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s concept of Monasteries Functioning as Schools, aiming to spread the 3G4G values to all schools and hoping to contribute to a harmonious society.
Niki Penny, Vice Principal of Te Komanawa Rowley School, said this was her third time leading students to the 3G4G education program. She emphasized the importance of this annual activity in helping students understand different cultures and reinforcing the social value of kindness. Karen Wheeler, Vice Principal of Hornby High School, shared that the 3G4G event is an annual trip for the school, giving students opportunities to explore new experiences and step out of their comfort zones. She appreciated the warm hospitality, noting that 3G4G values not only enrich students’ knowledge but also help them become responsible citizens.
Ashleigh Kerin, a leading teacher at Wharenui Primary School, observed the students’ and parents’ enthusiastic participation in all activities. She noted the impactful lyrics of the 3G4G theme song, which the students found easy to remember and which strengthened their willingness to help others. They would continue singing it together back at school.
Parent Chelsea Whaanga shared her experiences from learning to make lotus origami. She appreciated the symbolism of a lotus that remains unstained even when growing in muddy water as an inspiration in life. Students Isaiah Saimoa and Alice shared that their experiences with sutra transcription and Buddha bathing were great experience.