The First Step Toward Achieving Our Dreams

162 students of Tzu Chi Elementary School Indonesia followed their graduation procession on Saturday morning, June 3rd, 2017 at the 3rd floor hall of Tzu Chi Center, Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta.

The chorus of the Indonesian national anthem began the procession of Tzu Chi Elementary School Indonesia students’ 2017 graduation. They became the first students who have successfully ended the journey of education in Tzu Chi Elementary School since the school was established in 2011. Hundreds of parents attended the event held in Gou Yi Ting Hall 3rd floor, Tzu Chi Center, located at Pantai Indah Kapuk, North Jakarta on Saturday morning, June 3, 2017.

"This year we graduated 162 children," said Caroline Widjanarko, head of Tzu Chi Elementary School Indonesia. She admitted that she was touched after releasing hundreds of her students. "Happy, but at the same time I’m a bit emotional because I might not see some of the kids that often anymore," she said.

Six years together is a lot of time to get to know the students on a personal level. It has allowed the teachers to watch them grow and mature in their own ways. Being a part of this process has left a great impression on their teachers.

"There were some students who used to go to school crying, didn’t want to go to school, and made excuses to skip school, and they are teenagers now," said Caroline.

This graduation ceremony was wrapped up with a variety of performances from the children. Performances consisted of local cultural dances, Tzu Chi sign language, songs, and a short musical drama. Each appearance had its own meaning for children. One of them was a drama that carried the theme of "Believe your dreams" (believe in your dreams). This drama told about the daily lives of children in school, getting into trouble, facing challenges, and overcoming obstacles.

Work Hard to Achieve Dream

The graduates, teachers, Tzu Chi volunteers, and parents sang the Indonesian National Anthem together in the graduation ceremony of Tzu Chi Elementary School Indonesia.

The Principal of Tzu Chi Elementary School Indonesia, Caroline Widjanarko admitted that she was touched after releasing her students who have completed their education of six years.

One of the cast members, Janice Elaine Kosasih, in addition to giving her best in the performance, also dove into the drama message that was delivered. "This drama told us that even if our score is bad we have to fight for a better score," said the second child of 3 siblings. One of the drama scenes also told of the school bazaar activities. "The drama also teaches us not to force (people) to buy things in the bazaar. We have to respect, "Janice continued.

At the graduation ceremony, students are also recognized for outstanding academic achievements. Janice was one of those honored as she achieved first rank in her class.

"To get (this achievement) is full of struggle and sacrifice as well. (The award) I dedicated this to my mom, "said student P6 Kindness who could not hold back her tears.

Despite losing her mother a year ago, Janice still has high spirits. Janice also realized that her achievements were not solely her own hard work, but this 12 years old girl also felt the support from the teachers.

"The teachers here are friendly and patient with us. Thank you for teaching us sincerely and patiently, "she said.

It is not just academic achievements that Janice has acquired. She also spoke of important lessons in her everyday life, humanist culture.

"Tzu Chi School teaches us to respect parents and to do good things. We also have to love everyone without distinguishing, "she said.

Implementing Tzu Chi Humanist Culture

In the graduation ceremony, Tzu Chi Elementary School Indonesia also gave appreciation to exemplary students.

Janice Elaine Kosasih guided her friends to submit gifts to their respective parents.

 Humanist cultures that Janice obtained from the school, she also applies in her family environment. This is recognized by her father, Sulaiman.

"At home she also applies two things that should not be postponed- the devotion to the parents and to do good." said the father, smiling as he looked at his daughter.

Janice's attitude in the family gave Sulaiman's positive impression of Tzu Chi School Indonesia. "The subjects (Tzu Chi School Indonesia) are different from the other schools, especially Ren Wen (humanist culture). My three children study in Tzu Chi school because (there is a lesson) manners, "said Sulaiman.

Sulaiman also praised Janice who struggled and studied earnestly to gain achievement and successfully to complete her study.

"I say this is not the end but the beginning of the long struggle - there is still secondary school and university." said the father of three children. Sulaiman is proud of his daughter for struggling to get a scholarship in Tzu Chi Secondary School.

"A lot of tasks have been done (by Janice to get a scholarship), through all her hard work, she has kept her spirit," said the father proudly.

Janice's father, Sulaiman (green batik) was present along with her grandmother to witness the graduation ceremony of his daughter.

Sulaiman also hopes his daughter will become a person who contributes valuably not only for her family but for the nation. "My hope is one day Janice will become a better person than her father," said Sulaiman with a smile. He also gave a message to his children to remain grateful for what they have today.

The same hope was also delivered by Caroline to her graduating students. "What they have learned in this basic education I hope to be a provision in their future," said Caroline. "To be a moral and virtuous person, to be a successful person, and most important to be a happy person," she added.

Caroline advised all her students to continue working hard, to be diligent, and to never be afraid as they continue to rise and achieve their dreams.

Translated by : Veranica (Tzu Chi School)

Editor: Antonius (Tzu Chi School)