Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto hosted the Buddha’s Light Children Dharma Class Teaching Team Workshop from August 13 to 14, aimed at deepening youth teacher assistants’ understanding of Humanistic Buddhism and strengthening team spirit. The two-day program brought together 14 members of the teaching team, including four volunteer teachers and ten youth assistants. Present at the opening ceremony to offer encouragement were Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, Venerable Chueh Fan, Superintendents Venerable Zhi Guan and Venerable Ru Zhong, and Social Education Director Venerable Ru An.

Venerable Chueh Fan likened teachers and assistants to gardeners, “planting seeds of confidence in children’s hearts so that the seedlings of Bodhi grow strong.” Abbess encouraged the team to use their strengths to connect with children and parents, to proactively care for the needs of young people, and to align the temple’s services with society. She also announced that future workshops will invite education professionals to further raise teaching quality.

During the opening, all participants recited the Teaching Team Oath, pledging to uphold the ideals of Humanistic Buddhism and to serve as role models for children learning the Dharma.

With the theme “Joy in Every Step,” the workshop integrated faith development with practical training. Sessions included Buddhist etiquette, an introduction to Humanistic Buddhism, and the life and vision of Venerable Master Hsing Yun. Venerable Zhi Guan highlighted the compassionate aspirations behind Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s initiatives and explained Humanistic Buddhism’s guiding principle: “what the Buddha taught, what people need, what purifies, and what is virtuous and beautiful.”

Venerable Ru An shared the “Four Advices from Four Sutras,” encouraging participants to serve children with openness, initiative, and a giving heart. In the etiquette session, she explained the symbolic meanings of rituals such as joining palms, representing unity and acceptance. Teachers Angel Hsieh and Kiana Wong led workshops on classroom observation and 4R course design, while interactive games strengthened teamwork. BLIA Young Adult Division members Tim Yang and Jinger Chueh conducted sessions on photography and song-leading, equipping assistants with creative tools to enrich lessons.

At the closing discussion, youth assistants reflected on their growth, from improving classroom management to enhancing communication and deepening their understanding of Humanistic Buddhism. All expressed gratitude for the temple’s guidance and pledged to apply their learning to children’s Buddhist education.

The workshop not only improved teaching skills and teamwork but also nurtured faith, confidence, and a shared sense of mission within the teaching team.