20091019 Tzu Chi College of Technology turned 20

TC Tech School now 20 years old

Tzu Chi College of Technology celebrates its 20th birthday this year. Since its founding, the school has incorporated many innovative yet unconventional methods to help develop a more well-rounded student. Though these methods have raised controversies, time has proven Master Cheng Yen's vision was right. Now, the school gives students a quality education, instilling in them proper moral values as they serve society.

Formerly the Tzu Chi College of Nursing

20 years ago, the land by the Shapodang River was barren and uninhabited, but because of Master Cheng Yen, now 20 years later the area has been turned into an educational institution providing society with well trained nursing staff and medical technicians.

Tzu Chi College of Technology, President Hong Dangming:"It started with only one building, but now with the research building completed, there will be five total."

Tzu Chi College of Technology was formerly Tzu Chi College of Nursing. It all started when Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital was completed in 1986. Master Cheng noticed there was a shortage of nursing staff, especially in eastern Taiwan. Thus, the Tzu Chi College of Nursing began operating in September of 1989, hoping to create a pool of nursing staff all sharing Tzu Ch's humanistic values.

The uniform makes everyone equal

The college paid extra attention to students' proper conduct and moral values. The uniforms were Master Cheng Yen's idea, born from her concern that everyone should appear equal.

Tzu Chi College of Technology, former President Zhang Fumei:"The Master said that by wearing uniforms everyone will appear equal. Some students, especially those from the indigenous tribes, may not be able to afford brand name clothes. This way, everyone can focus on studying instead of spending time and money on their appearance. "

Tea ceremony and flower arrangement?

To strengthen students' humanistic development, tea ceremony and flower arrangement classes were introduced, an unprecedented move introduced by Tzu Chi, and not mainstream educators.

Despite facing criticisms, these classes continued.

TC COT Director Chief Secretary, Hong Suzhen:"A student can improve interpersonal skills through the tea ceremony, and develop an artistic sense and better decorum through flower arrangement. After all, we do take on many roles through out our lives. We need to be versatile."

Yide Mothers support the students

Tzu Chi's Yide Mothers also began at that time. The Yide Mothers were to provide these students-away-from-home with mental and spiritual support, while also helping with their daily lives. Again, this was unconventional and raised controversies.

TC COT Director Chief Secretary, Hong Suzhen:"Since the school was founded, we have been very innovative. Though these ideas weren't widely accepted then, time has proven the Master's vision to be correct."

Tzu Chi College of Technology, Frm President Zhang Fumei:"By combining quality education with humanistic training, Master Cheng Yen has helped create proper citizens with good moral values for living and good skills for working."

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