Education is a task that requires great patience. It aims to provide the energy to convert the delusions of malice, despair, ignorance and resignation into the wisdom of compassion, hope, intelligence and courage. - Daisaku Ikeda

The 2010 SGM Educators Seminar was held on June 5 and 6 at SGM Culture Centre, Cheras. It was attended by 176 educators from various states throughout the country. The theme for the seminar is the “Total Victory of Soka and Dynamic Development of Youth.” This is an annual event for like-minded educators to come together to learn together, mutually encourage one another and renew their determination.

The participants listened, learnt, shared, argued, laughed and even shed tears by the moving accounts and impressions from the speakers. There are also small group discussions where the teachers shared and exchange problems, solutions, and experiences among themselves. It was a fruitful exchange as the educators shared the wisdom they have gained from their work.

Prof Dr Boey Chiong Meng shared his impression on a poem by President Ikeda entitled “Bringing the light of education to the world.” He related four stories to bring out the crucial elements of the Soka Education.

In the first story, Mr Ikeda was visiting a centre for blind children in India. Upon reaching the centre, Mr Ikeda went straight to one of the child and said to him in Japanese that every life’s equal and most precious. “You must become happy,” Mr Ikeda said in an earnest tone. Before the translator started to translate, tears were streaming down the cheeks of the boy. It’s neither the words nor the meaning that moved the boy. It was Mr Ikeda sincerity and earnestness that was reflected in his voice and his tone. And the boy felt the powerful surge of emotion and was deeply moved. Sincerity and earnestness are the crux of Soka education. Mr Ikeda clearly demonstrated the importance of these qualities in touching the very depth of a person. Without sincerity, no strategy or method can work.

Dr Lim Yak Hong shared on how ICT can be used to enhance the effectiveness of teaching, while Mr Lee Son Chee discussed on the Buddhist perspective on economic and financial education. Teachers from Tadika Seri Soka continued with some interesting explanation of books written by Mr Ikeda on the subject of education. As this writings are carefully penned to give fresh and practical ideas for teachers and parents, we would surely learn many profound lessons and be inspired from studying it.

Educators from Johor shared their victories in successfully conducting a program that foster the members of the Junior Division. One of the teachers also conducted a series of workshops and talks for parents in tackling problems with adolescence. Her strategy was to share with parents her daily experiences which had accumulated over several decades. Her audience found it to be very simple, practical gain new insights into fostering their own children.

The participants were given the opportunity to show off their talents in singing and dancing during the cultural night on Saturday. Shouts and laughter were heard throughout the night. The Fei Yang Symphonic Band members presented a brass ensemble and the Galaxy Chamber Orchestra gave a solid cello ensemble performance. Most of the performers were former students of Tadika Seri Soka.