Tzu Chi donates 300 school bags with supplies ahead of new school year

GREAT BAY--With the new school year approaching, the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation St. Maarten has distributed 300 school bags filled with supplies to help children from families in need begin the academic year equipped with essential materials.

The bags were distributed on Saturday, August 8, at Tzu Chi St. Maarten’s new location in the Cake House Building on L.B. Scott Road. Children, parents, guardians, teachers and volunteers attended the event, which formed part of the foundation’s continued commitment to supporting education and families in the community.

Each school bag contained exercise books, a ruler, markers, crayons, coloured pencils, folders and a sturdy pencil case stocked with pens, pencils, erasers, glue, a sharpener, highlighters, whiteout and scissors.

The bags were prepared primarily for children from long-term underprivileged families under Tzu Chi’s care, as well as for schools assisting students who have limited access to school supplies. A number of parents, guardians and teachers collected bags on behalf of children unable to attend.

The program was hosted by cultural icon Clara Reyes and began with the prayer song “Love and Care,” during which participants offered prayers for people affected by disasters, conflict and hardship around the world.

SaiFong Chu, also known as Sandra Cheung, head of Tzu Chi St. Maarten, used the occasion to reflect on the foundation’s longstanding commitment to education and its belief that education should also help nurture gratitude, respect, kindness and responsibility.

Cheung shared the history of Tzu Chi’s education mission, which developed shortly after the establishment of its medical mission. In the late 1980s, Dharma Master Cheng Yen recognized that many Indigenous girls in Hualien, Taiwan, had limited opportunities to continue their education or obtain stable employment.

This led to the establishment of the Tzu Chi Nursing College, which opened on September 17, 1989, with 107 students. More than 20,000 people attended the opening ceremony, reflecting the level of community support behind the initiative.

From that first nursing college, Tzu Chi’s education mission expanded into a broader educational system that today includes international schools, preschools and weekend Chinese schools in different parts of the world.

Cheung said Tzu Chi St. Maarten hopes to build on that philosophy from its new location by creating an environment where children can gain knowledge while also developing strong values and a sense of responsibility toward others.

“This gathering was not only about giving away school bags,” Cheung said. “It was about bringing teachers, parents, guardians and volunteers together to support our next generation. A school bag may be a simple gift, but it carries our love, encouragement and hope for each child’s future.”

The distribution was made possible through the teamwork of local volunteers and the financial support of Dharma Master Cheng Yen, founder of the Tzu Chi Foundation.

Recipients expressed appreciation for the assistance and for Tzu Chi’s continued commitment to supporting families ahead of each new school year.

One recipient, Irene, who identified herself as a mother and grandmother, thanked the foundation, Cheung and the support team for their work in the community.

“Today for this occasion, I'm very grateful to the Tzu Chi Foundation, Sister Sandra and her Support team under the Mentorship of Dharma Master Cheng- Yen,” Irene said.

She also expressed gratitude for what she described as the foundation’s annual back-to-school commitment.

“I say thanks to the Tzu Chi Foundation for their yearly back to school commitment to our children. By getting them ready for the year with a new schoolbag with contents.”

Irene said seeing parents and children receiving the bags made the occasion especially meaningful.

“I'm Seeing so many happy faces from parents and children......even I am happy to collect for my grandchildren.”

She also thanked Cheung for her work in carrying forward the teachings and humanitarian mission of Master Cheng Yen.

“I said it, and I will say it again.... Thanks Sister Sandra for mastering the inspirations of Master Cheng-Yen Spiritual....Cultivation and the work to relieve suffering in St. Maarten and the Caribbean.”

Cheung expressed gratitude to everyone whose efforts contributed to the distribution, thanked the recipients for accepting the donations and extended appreciation to Reyes for graciously hosting the event.

The school bag distribution is part of Tzu Chi St. Maarten’s ongoing community work aimed at supporting families, encouraging education and providing practical assistance to those who need it most.

‍