Children attending class at the Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool Philippines in Quezon City have developed the helpful character that leaders and volunteers of the humanitarian organization are known for.

Marcus Yan’s father, Mark, shared this observation on his son who attends the preschool in Agno Street.

“From his one year of preschool here, we saw big improvements especially at home. He became more sociable, respectful, and able to do household chores that were practiced here in school,” Mark told Tzu Chi Philippines.

With the opening last 31 July of the four-year-old Tzu Chi preschool’s kindergarten class, the father expects his son and others composing the first batch of enrollees to grow with kind hearts and caring attitude.

Seven students of the kinder class and their parents joined Tzu Chi preschool staff and volunteers the inauguration ceremony with the theme “Growing Kind Hearts for a Better Tomorrow.”

Established in September 2022, the preschool is the Tzu Chi Philippines foundation’s first venture into early childhood education. Guided by a progressive curriculum rooted in compassion and respect, it has since become a nurturing space for children to learn not only academics but also values that shape character.

The accreditation of the school’s kindergarten program -- made possible through the steadfast support of faculty members, volunteers and families —paved way for its expansion.

Department of Education representatives who graced the inauguration expressed admiration for Tzu Chi’s mission.

“I actually like your mission, to nurture, to create, and grow kind hearts for a better tomorrow. Because more than the intellectual, what we really need are kind hearts. For this, thank you, and we wish you success in the endeavor,” Ederlina D. Baleña, chief officer-in-charge of School Governance and Operations Division of the Schools Division Office of Quezon City (SDOQC), said.

Sharon A. Gutierrez, division planning officer III of the SDOQC, said, “I am looking forward to Tzu Chi progressing to higher grade levels because time flies so fast. But it’s a good strategy to start with kinder, because it’s the foundational stage when it comes to children, as Sigmund Freud said.”

Preschool directress Jane Sy said the milestone was both a celebration and a reminder of the mission ahead.

“In this changing and challenging world, we look forward to growing kids’ hearts — hearts that are ready to lead our future,” she said.

To Sy, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was only the beginning. The true mission continues in the daily work of creating meaningful experiences for children and families, carried forward in partnership with the vision of Tzu Chi Foundation founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen.