Albert Lin, The Merit Times staff writer
September 20, 2023


On September 17th, Fo Guang Shan Chu Un Temple held the event "Where is Happiness" with a total of 45 children and parents in attendance. 

This "Three Acts of Goodness" event was hosted by Dr. Ruby Suazo, head of the Philosophy Department at the University of San Carlos and SOPHIA Student Council. Venerable You Hui welcomed the children and parents and provided drawing tools for the kids along with snacks after the activities.

Dr. Ruby Suazo, head of the Philosophy Department at the University of San Carlos shared the"Three Acts of Goodness" conceot. photo／The Life News Agency

The theme of this storytelling activity was "Where is Happiness." After listening to the stories, the children were divided into groups to discuss several topics, such as what happiness is and how to find it. The main message of the stories was that people should be content with what they have in life rather than endlessly pursuing happiness because happiness is within oneself. 

The children were divided into groups to discuss several topics. photo／The Life News Agency

The host, Ruby, encouraged the children to unleash their creativity and imagination by expressing "what happiness is" through drawings.

Dr. Ruby Suazo encouraged the children to express "what happiness is" through drawings. photo／The Life News Agency

The children joyfully created their artwork and explained the connection between their pieces and their own happiness. In the end, they presented their drawings to the teachers of their respective groups as a keepsake. It's evident that this activity brought a lot of happiness to the children, and they fully immersed themselves in the event.

Children read the stories. photo／The Life News Agency

Five-year-old Adelina said that happiness for him is delicious food shared with good friends. Melanie's drawing depicted a green Earth, and she explained that happiness is taking care of the environment, making the Earth cleaner, and improving everyone's lives. Philip said that happiness is having his family together. All the children who participated in this activity felt that they had spent a meaningful afternoon and were eagerly looking forward to the next event.

SOPHIA Student Council President Clint Tan expressed after the event that, based on the current progress, the Community Extension Service (CES) activities are proceeding very smoothly.