The 12th FGS NZ 3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing officially began on 28 April 2026. This month-long educational programme has 18 schools registered across Auckland and Christchurch, with nearly 4,000 students taking part. Coinciding with the commemorative exhibition 60 Years of Passing the Light, Honouring a 100 Year Legacy, Abbess Manshin of FGS NZ specially guided the addition of new educational content, enabling students to learn about the life wisdom of the Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Founder of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order. The students learned the value of the Three Acts of Goodness and Four Givings (3G4G), inspiring them to practise these values in daily life.
On the first day of the programme, 80 teachers and students from Years 5 to 8 of St John the Evangelist Catholic School Otara arrived at the Temple in high spirits. This was the school’s second year participating. An accompanying teacher shared that she had brought students two years ago and was deeply impressed by the calligraphy experience. Returning this year, she felt the students had once again gained a great deal. She praised the thoughtfully designed activities, which offered even returning students a fresh experience. She also noted that the Founding Master’s lively and engaging stories helped students better understand the Temple’s history and background, and that the Buddhist values shared throughout the programme closely aligned with the school’s own values.
This educational project was launched at FGS NZ in 2014 and has now entered its 12th year. To date, 74 schools have participated, with more than 37,000 student visits to the Temple. This year, the organisers specially created adorable Three Acts of Goodness Bears as gifts for every student. Through the bear’s friendly image and connection with local culture, the spirit of 3G4G is gently brought into daily life, families, and communities, spreading positive and wholesome energy. Students’ eyes lit up when they saw the bear, and they promised to take good care of it while practising 3G4G in their lives.
Student Elena especially enjoyed the Temple’s lush greenery and beautiful environment, and found writing and placing a wish card on the wall most memorable. Jeanelle was delighted to receive the 3G Bear and enjoyed the police sharing session, where the officer’s humour created a cheerful atmosphere. Adina shared that the Three Goodness fried rice was delicious. He enjoyed four bowls and hoped to learn how to cook it in the future.
Other students said the Temple’s peaceful atmosphere brought them calm and joy. They appreciated experiencing culture and wholesome values beyond the classroom, felt warmly welcomed by the friendly staff, and looked forward to returning to the Temple for more activities.
The day’s activities included an incense offering experience, The Life of the Buddha video, Bodhi Light Tales stories, meditation, an interactive police session and more. Throughout the month-long programme, FGS NZ will work with local schools and New Zealand Police to sow seeds of kindness, promote positive education, foster social harmony, and bring happiness and peace to the community.
