During the pandemic, what was once a lively garden where children joyfully frolicked with friends had suddenly become a very quiet space. California had issued stay-at-home orders to uphold the wellness of communities, and guests couldn’t come to visit the garden. After some time and thoughtful discussions, however, the hopes of Tzu Chi USA’s education team had come to fruition through the reopening of a “Life Science Farm,” allowing the children to once again bask in the sunshine, birdsong, and fragrant flowers.

Amid educational reforms, Tzu Chi Elementary School in Walnut, CA, is moving forth with new textbooks. But with more than 600 previous editions on hand and in excellent condition, Tzu Chi Elementary School decided to donate the books to a school Tzu Chi is helping rebuild in Mexico.