Editor's Note: Parents of a Tzu Chi kindergarten class in Penang, Malaysia, wrote this article to record a seemingly minor event. To the children involved, however, this could be a life-enriching experience that will last a lifetime. Teachers, parents and, most of all, kindergarteners worked together to solve a problem. This may shed some light on Tzu Chi's approach to education, one of the foundation's four missions.

After taking their nap, the kindergarteners folded up their sleeping bags for storage. But they found that the storage space for the sleeping bags--a portable plastic-cloth wardrobe--was broken. The zipper had fallen apart and the plastic bottom of the closet was split open. It looked damaged beyond repair.

Who broke it? Nobody knew. The teacher discussed how to solve this problem with the students. All agreed that the broken closet should be replaced with a new one.

It would cost about US$10 to buy one. The teacher suggested that the kindergarteners contribute half of the cost toward the purchase, and the kids got busy talking about ideas to raise the money.

Liu Jing suggested that everyone help with chores at home to earn money. Her idea was accepted by the whole class. Everyone agreed to do six household chores per day. If doing each chore earned five pennies, it would take about five days to reach their goal.

Enthusiastic, the children went home to raise funds. The parents were most supportive of this idea that the children had formulated themselves. Anxious to buy a new closet, the kindergarteners were really diligent and tried to stick with their promise. Occasional slips, though, were understandable for children so young. The parents kept a log of the kind of work done by their children. The teacher read those logs in the classroom to encourage everyone to keep up their good work.

Xue Yi occasionally forgot to do her chores, but went back to work when reminded. Liu Jing went out to play and also forgot to do her job; however, after a nap, she kept asking her mom to give her more chores.

Though very young, the children were determined to fulfill their promise. After 10 days, about seven dollars was raised, exceeding the original goal.

Ye Feng-feng, Xue Yi's mom, said happily that her child had gained a valuable experience. Xue Yi personally felt how hard it was to earn money and realized the fact that if something is broken, it takes money and extra work to replace it. As a result, Xue Yi is more careful and mindful in everything that she does now. She also voluntarily does chores such as washing dishes, folding clothes, and lining up shoes.

Ye Yu-huan, Liu Jing's mother, said, "This episode has helped the children to understand the need to rectify any mistake and to learn to help with domestic chores without being asked. We have achieved two objectives with a single act."

On the eve of Mother's Day, Liu Jing gave two flowers and a red envelope to her mother. In the envelope was a dollar. Liu Jing got the idea when she saw her mother and her uncle give a red envelope to her grandma. Liu Jing sought to do ten chores for her mother’s sister, brother, mom, and dad to earn the dollar to stuff the envelope. Her mother was really moved.

It was finally time to go shopping at the supermarket. With their hard-earned money in hand, the kids were overjoyed in the store. The teacher gently quieted them down and lined the students up in single file. Then this little train of children set out for the aisle where wardrobes were displayed. All of a sudden, everyone began talking at once to express their preferences. After much discussion, they eventually settled on a blue wardrobe. The train of children paid at the check-out counter and left the store while people waved good-bye.

On the way back, the teacher asked how they felt about this excursion. In one voice, everyone said, "Delightful!" Liu Jing enthusiastically told her mom, "We went to the supermarket and bought a handsome wardrobe. It has streams, white clouds, and green trees printed on the outside. It is much better looking than the old one." She also invited kids from other classes to admire it.

From the kids' excitement, voices, and movements, the air was filled with joy similar to the happiness resulting from a bountiful harvest. Looking at the smiling faces of their children, the mothers in this kindergarten class all thought that it was a precious lesson for all involved.