The 12th FGS NZ 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing held its fourth and fifth educational sessions on 30 April and 1 May 2026. Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple Auckland received 53 Year 4 to Year 6 students from Ficino School, as well as 244 Year 7 students from Mission Heights Junior College, accompanied by teachers and parents. Through the programme, students learned about the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings (3G4G) and experienced the spirit of goodness and beauty in Humanistic Buddhism.
Mission Heights Junior College Principal Ian MORRISON visited the Temple to express gratitude for the Temple’s continued efforts in organising the educational programme each year, providing students the opportunity to learn the value of 3G4G. Abbess Manshin presented Principal MORRISON with a set of 3G Bears, which he said would be displayed in the school cabinet to remind students to practise 3G4G in daily movements. Since the first festival in 2014, Mission Heights Junior College has participated every year for 12 consecutive years. Early in the morning, teachers and Year 10 student leaders led the Year 7 students on foot from the school to the Temple. Three police officers, including School Community Officer Senior Constable Matt GREEN, accompanied the students throughout the visit and led interactive learning sessions. The students were wearing bamboo hats and practising meditation in the courtyard, helping them settle their bodies and minds in a peaceful atmosphere.
Ficino School Deputy Principal Lorna SPICER shared that the school’s educational philosophy differs from the mainstream system, placing greater emphasis on students’ spiritual growth and inner peace. After learning about the 3G4G programme, she found it highly meaningful and specially arranged for students to participate. She praised the rich content and smooth flow of the activities. During the wish card writing activity, she felt warm, positive energy. She also found the meditation experience by the Pagoda especially memorable, as the sound of flowing water helped purify and calm the body and mind.
Teachers Grey and Sarah, who visited the Temple for the first time, said the programme far exceeded their expectations and closely aligned with the school’s values of spiritual development, inclusiveness, and acceptance. They believed students would gain a rich and meaningful learning experience from the visit. Students were deeply impressed by the Temple’s grand and dignified architecture. They shared that activities such as writing wish cards, interacting with police officers, and practising meditation gave them new experiences and helped them use 3G4G to guide themselves in making the right choices. The delicious Three Goodness fried rice was unforgettable. Parents said the Temple was lively, vibrant and full of energy, and that the activities were thoughtfully designed. They especially enjoyed learning about the Temple’s history and founding causes and looked forward to visiting again with family and friends.
Accompanying teacher Joan said the programme was punctual, well organised and highly professional. Through lively, flexible methods, it guided students to learn positive life values. Teacher Melanie was amazed by the Temple’s solemn and beautiful architecture. She said Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s words of wisdom were positive and inspiring, helping plant seeds of goodness and beauty in students’ hearts. Many students shared that meditating under the warm sunshine filled them with peace and joy. The 3G Bear also served as a constant reminder to care for their thoughts and keep kind intentions.
During the first week of the 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing, more than 650 teachers and students visited the Temple. Over the next three weeks, FGS NZ will continue welcoming more schools through diverse educational activities, guiding students to understand and practise 3G4G, apply positive values in daily life, and allow kind thoughts to take root and grow in schools and society.
