​Dharma Drum Mountain Social Welfare and Charity Foundation Awarded Scholarships to Students in Tainan

On the morning of November 12^th, Dharma Drum Mountain Social Welfare and Charity Foundation held the 43^rd "Centennial Education Scholarship" award ceremony at the Chung Hwa Hall of National Cheng Kung University. Representatives of the Dharma Drum Mountain Tainan Branch Monastery — Ven. Yan Hsing, Ven. Yan Deng, and Ven. Yan Xian — attended the ceremony. Principal Wang Yi-ren of Ruei Fong Elementary School and other distinguished guests, along with more than two hundred parents, students, and volunteers were also present to witness the heartwarming and touching event.

Ms. Huang Jin-jhu, a full-time staff of the foundation, began by introducing the significance of the scholarships. She then invited Principal Wang to deliver a speech. Principal Wang encouraged the students by stating that, regardless of their inherent circumstances and intelligence level, they can forge their own path of continuous learning, provided that they uphold the beliefs of "heaven must have put me here for some purpose" and "hard work makes up for deficiencies." On behalf of the school's faculty, students, and parents, Principal Wang expressed gratitude to Dharma Drum Mountain for its long-term sponsorship, support, and encouragement towards the students in remote regions. This support has given hope to the innocent children for their future. He believed that the children will remember to give back to society when they are able to do so in the future.

During the award ceremony, the special committee member of the foundation, Mr. Ci Jhih-ge, introduced the origin and development of the foundation. He then explained that, in addition to the twice-a-year Centennial Education Scholarship that provides opportunities for students to reshape their future, other operational projects exist such as emergency relief, medical aids, and domestic and international disaster care...etc.

The eighty scholarship recipients in Tainan range from elementary school pupils to graduate students. Each of them was awarded the scholarship and given blessings by guests, including Jheng Guang-ji, Jheng Ting-ting, Lin Jia-rong, Ou Wun-hua and the Venerable of Dharma Drum Mountain.

Wang Cong-hong, a third-year student at Hsinying Industrial Vocational School, said that he has received education guidance from volunteer Chen Ya-jhen since elementary school, which has inspired him to courageously pursue his dreams. He aspires to continue his education and do his best to help others in the future. His father, Mr. Wang Hua-mao, was a recipient of Exemplary Father of Tainan City, and takes care of two children with Asperger's syndrome and ADHD. He educates them to learn with a grateful heart, appreciate the support from Dharma Drum Mountain, and give back to society in the future.

Ms. Lin Ya-wen, currently pursuing a master's degree at National Cheng Kung University, attended the scholarship award ceremony with her younger sister, Ms. Lin Ya-ping. Since her second year of high school, Ms. Lin Ya-wen has used most of her scholarship funds to supplement family expenses, demonstrating remarkable filial piety. In response to the inquiry about their study tips, the twin sisters encouraged everyone to keep believing in their own abilities to overcome setbacks, be self-disciplined and determined, and keep working hard. 

The Dharma Drum Mountain Centennial Education Scholarship Award Ceremony in Tainan concluded with a group photo of all attendees. With blessings from everyone, the students and their parents joyfully returned home. 




Text: 蘇麗文 (