Tzu-Chi Foundation

The Hawaii Tzu Chi Academy is one of the largest Chinese language education institutions in the state of Hawaii. They took over the existing buildings, which was once Island Paradise Academy, whom relocated in Kapolei, for as long as I could remember. Located in Kaimuki at the base of Wilhelmina Rise, the Hawaii Tzu Chi Academy is poised to be one of the bright spots in educating young children in the Chinese language in east Oahu, with emphasis on humanitarian and character education. Also in the curriculum is the introduction of holistic education approach or mortality. wisdom, team spiritF and aesthetics.
At first glance, when I passed by the property when Hawaii Tzu Chi Academy first arrived, I honestly thought what was this place going to be? First thought was that it was a Buddhist institution of worship, but when I saw parents dropping their kids off, I thought about this place differently now. The Hawaii Tzu Chi Academy isn’t very big in size, not much more than the size of 2 residential houses back to back. After all, this place does look like residential homes, but serves a good purpose in educating the youth of Hawaii and immersing them all with learning and the Chinese Language.
Like any higher learning academic institution, the Hawaii Tzu Chi Academy uses the semester system. Too bad that this place does not offer services to adults, otherwise, I would consider taking a class or two, since its near to where I live anyway. There are four main levels in the mandarin language learning phase: fundamental, primary, intermediate, and advanced. Each stage is further separated into 3 – 4 sub levels. Something like the university level where they break it down into levels of concentration and practice.
They also offer a Variety of culture classes and activities such as Chinese calligraphy, painting, sign language, and singing, creative and musical arts, drama, recycle arts, translation, etc. Classes are held strictly on the weekends due to the Child’s commitment to their regular day school. Tuition for a semester is $ 250, so it is a pretty good deal. I have had a few friends with kids speak highly of this school, which is why I am interested in this school. Hope that this school is still here in the next 15 – 20 years. Maybe I will have a family then and have the kids learn some mandarin. Plenty of ways to get here via driving and public transportation. The Hawaii Tzu Chi Academy doesn’t have private parking, it seems, so parking on the residential roads is your best bet.
Then again, you’re probably just dropping off or picking up your kid.
Support local!
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