��2026/03/21 | Francis Leung / Report from Canada

The ceremony concludes successfully! Distinguished guests, volunteers, teachers, students, and attendees take a joyful group photo together to witness this historic moment.[Richmond Hill, ON] ��� Tzu Chi Academy North Toronto held a grand opening ceremony today, March 21, 2026, for the "Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning" (TCML), a program specifically designed for adult learners aged 18 and older. Since deepening its roots in the local community in 2013, Tzu Chi Academy North Toronto has been a benchmark for promoting Mandarin education and Tzu Chi���s humanistic values. Today���s unveiling not only marks a milestone in deep collaboration with the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) of Republic of China (Taiwan) but also symbolizes the Academy's transition from acclaimed youth programs to lifelong education for all ages, completing the final piece of the community���s comprehensive learning vision.

Deeply Rooted in the Community: A New Era of All-Age Learning

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Since its founding in 2013, the Academy has been a welcoming environment for youth aged four and up to grow and embrace their cultural heritage.��However, as the demand for multiculturalism grows in Canadian society, the school has observed an equally urgent desire among adult residents to learn Mandarin and explore humanistic values.

"We heard the community's voice," Principal Jane Huang shared movingly during her speech. "This strong desire for language learning and cultural connection inspired the establishment of TCML. This center aims to create a dedicated space that transcends geographical boundaries and fulfills the concept of 'learning without borders.��We sincerely welcome friends from all regions who are passionate about language and culture to join our vibrant lifelong learning community."

A Gathering of Distinguished Guests: Witnessing Cultural Exchange

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The Plaque Unveiling Ceremony demonstrated remarkable community support and diplomatic significance, beginning with a solemn rendition of "O Canada." The highlight of the event took place at 3:15 PM, when the center was officially unveiled in the presence of approximately 80 distinguished guests.��Following the unveiling, Principal Jane Huang and��distinguished guests cut the exquisite cake celebrating the establishment of TCML,��symbolizing a new milestone for Tzu Chi North Toronto in adult Chinese language education.

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The event was highly regarded by all three levels of the Canadian government. Attendees included:

• TECO in Toronto: Director General Lawrence Liang, Culture Center Director Paul Lan, and Deputy Director Daphne Hsu. Director General Liang praised Tzu Chi's dedication to Mandarin education in his address.

• Community Leaders: OCAC Members Bill Giang and Maggie Lin, Senior Advisor Seng-Pai Kan, Advisor Felix Kuan, and Shan-Mei Shih, President of the Eastern Canada Chinese School Association.

• Tzu Chi Representatives: Sister Teresa Yee (Head of Tzu Chi North Toronto), and two Deputy CEOs of Tzu Chi Eastern Canada���Sister Sammi Shu-Fang Huang (MC) and Sister Julia Chang.

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Deep Cultural Dialogue: Insights from Federal and Local Leaders

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Speeches from various dignitaries added depth to the celebration of multicultural harmony:

• MP Costas Menegakis (Federal Member of Parliament): Offered his congratulations and strong support for TCML, acknowledging its contribution to the community���s diverse development.

• Mayor David West (City of Richmond Hill): Praised Tzu Chi���s long-standing community achievements. He emphasized that "language is the foundation of culture" and the ultimate way to understand a heritage, congratulating Principal Huang on the successful launch.

• Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan (City of Richmond Hill): Shared warmly that coming to Tzu Chi feels like "coming home." He noted that Mandarin is now the most widely spoken language in Richmond Hill after English and praised TCML for providing a quality environment for joyful learning.

• Councillor Scott Thompson (Ward 2): Shared the beauty of Canada as a nation that embraces diversity and social harmony.

• Councillor Castro Liu (Ward 3): Commended Tzu Chi���s passion and suggested that the City Council team should form a class to join TCML next year to show their support.

• Councillor Simon Cui (Ward 4): Quoted the proverb "it takes ten years to grow a tree but a hundred years to cultivate a person," acknowledging Tzu Chi's role in passing down heritage and wisdom.

• Councillor Michael Shiu (Ward 6): Praised TCML���s vision in welcoming students of all ethnic backgrounds, calling it a significant move for cultural preservation in the GTA.

During the ceremony, MP Costas Menegakis, Mayor David West, Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan, Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola, and Councillors Shiu, Thompson, Cui, and Liu jointly presented congratulatory certificates to Principal Jane Huang, highly recognizing Tzu Chi's contributions. Additionally, MPP Billy Pang and Markham Regional Councillor Alan Ho sent special congratulatory certificates to offer their sincere blessings.

Cross-Border Congratulations from OCAC

Adding to the celebration, OCAC Deputy Minister Yen-Hui Lee recorded a special congratulatory video from Taiwan, sharing her best wishes and witnessing this new milestone for Mandarin education in Eastern Canada.��Furthermore, DaAi TV reported on TCML students participating in the Chinese New Year activities, showing adult learners exploring traditional customs and festive cuisine through a campus tour.

Watch the Video: 2026/03/21 (EN/CH Subtitles) TCML Tzu Chi Academy North Toronto Unveiling Ceremony - Congratulatory Message from Deputy Minister Yen-Hui Lee
Link: https://youtu.be/GhYoMRD_pPM

Emotional Resonance: Students Share Their Learning Journeys

Beyond the official support, the ceremony was filled with Tzu Chi���s unique humanistic warmth.��A highlight of the event featured a group performance by adult students titled "The World is Like a Great Classroom," showcasing the program's solid educational foundation while filling the room with vibrant energy and heartfelt joy.

A particularly touching moment occurred when two adult students introduced themselves in Mandarin, sharing the challenges and rewards of their learning journey.��Sohel Suterwala, an Indian-origin accountant, joyfully shared that his motivation for mastering the language is his Taiwanese girlfriend���a sweet confession that touched every heart in the room. Meanwhile, Dr. Stephen Kwan, a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner in Canada, discussed the professional necessity of Mandarin and his commitment to perfecting his pronunciation, beautifully embodying the noble spirit of lifelong learning.

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This inclusion of "student perspectives" not only attests to the profound social impact of Tzu Chi���s humanistic education but also vividly illustrates how TCML transforms language instruction into a meaningful and compassionate cultural dialogue. As the ceremony drew to a close, the adult students offered a soul-stirring rendition of the classic song "The Moon Represents My Heart," transcending linguistic and cultural barriers in a moment of pure, touching harmony.

Vision and Core Values: Nourishing the Mind with Gratitude, Respect, and Love

The unveiling ceremony concluded with a joyful group photo of all guests, volunteers, teachers, and students. Principal Huang emphasized that TCML���s curriculum will continue Master Cheng Yen���s teachings, viewing education as a process of "nourishing the mind." "At Tzu Chi, we uphold the core values of 'Gratitude, Respect, and Love'." she noted. "We offer more than just high-quality Mandarin instruction; we provide a warm home where students can connect and grow together."

Course Information & Registration

The Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning (TCML) at Tzu Chi Academy North Toronto is now accepting registrations. We warmly invite adults interested in learning Mandarin and exploring diverse cultures to join us.

Address: 20 Wertheim Crt., Unit 21, Richmond Hill, ON
Contact: Principal Jane Shu-Chen Huang
Phone: 416-816-4103
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: https://www.tzuchieast.ca/en/tcml-tzu-chi-academy-north-toronto

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Students lead a lively and heartwarming performance of "The World is Like a Big Classroom," bringing vibrant energy to the ceremony.��Distinguished guests participate in the ribbon-cutting at the Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning unveiling ceremony, opening a new chapter of cultural engagement in the community.

A highly anticipated historical moment! After the official plaque unveiling of the "Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning," distinguished guests gather for a memorable group photo.��Principal Jane Huang and special guests cut a beautiful celebratory cake, symbolizing Tzu Chi North Toronto's new milestone in adult Mandarin education.

Dignitaries presented congratulatory certificates in person to recognize Tzu Chi's contributions to promoting Mandarin education. (From left: Councillor Michael Shiu, Councillor Scott Thompson, Tzu Chi Sister Julia Chang, Councillor Simon Cui, MP Costas Menegakis, Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan, Principal Jane Huang, Mayor David West, Regional Councillor Joe DiPaola, and Councillor Castro Liu)��Principal Jane Huang of Tzu Chi Academy North Toronto delivers her remarks, thanking all guests for their presence and sharing the original intention and vision behind establishing the TCML adult Mandarin program.

MP Costas Menegakis, Richmond Hill Mayor David West, and city councillors present congratulatory certificates, recognizing Tzu Chi���s dedication to Mandarin education and multiculturalism.��Richmond Hill Mayor David West and city councillors gather together to offer their sincere congratulations on the establishment of the "Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning."

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Richmond Hill Mayor David West delivers a speech, highly praising Tzu Chi's remarkable community service over the years. He emphasized that language is the foundation of culture and a key to understanding different heritages, congratulating Principal Jane Huang and her team on the successful launch of TCML.��Deputy Mayor Godwin Chan shares warmly that coming to Tzu Chi feels like "coming home." He noted that Mandarin has become the most widely spoken language in Richmond Hill after English and praised TCML for providing a high-quality learning environment, encouraging students to learn with joy and express the beauty of their culture.

Councillor Scott Thompson (Ward 2) delivers a heartfelt speech, sharing the beauty of Canada as a nation that embraces diversity and social harmony. He acknowledged that the establishment of TCML will further enrich the community's cultural vitality and expressed sincere gratitude to Tzu Chi for hosting such a meaningful celebration.��Councillor Castro Liu offers his congratulations on the official launch of TCML, highly praising Tzu Chi North Toronto's passion and dedication to community service over the years. He humorously suggested to the gathered dignitaries that the city councillors should form a class to join TCML next year, demonstrating strong local government support for cultural education.

Richmond Hill Councillor Michael Shiu delivers a speech congratulating the official launch of TCML. He specifically praised TCML for welcoming students from diverse ethnic backgrounds, calling it a significant move to promote the Chinese language and heritage within the GTA, and encouraged everyone to learn Mandarin.��Richmond Hill Councillor Simon Cui delivers a speech congratulating the official launch of TCML. Highlighting the proverb "it takes ten years to grow a tree but a hundred years to cultivate a person," Councillor Cui emphasized the vital role of education for future generations and the country's development. He praised Tzu Chi's dedication to preserving Chinese heritage and wisdom within the GTA, hoping these values will be passed down for generations to come ���

A special congratulatory video from OCAC Deputy Minister Yen-Hui Lee is played, sending warm blessings across the ocean for the launch of Eastern Canada's first TCML.��Director General Lawrence Liang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto delivers a speech, expressing high recognition and support for Tzu Chi North Toronto's dedication to Mandarin education.

Sohel Suterwala, an Indian-origin accountant, has been working hard to learn Mandarin for his Taiwanese girlfriend and joyfully shared his learning achievements at the TCML plaque unveiling ceremony.��Stephen Kwan, a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner in Canada, shared the professional necessity of learning Mandarin. He expressed his commitment to perfecting his pronunciation, embodying the true spirit of lifelong learning.

Adult Mandarin students put their hearts into singing the classic song "The Moon Represents My Heart," showcasing their learning achievements across language and culture in a touching atmosphere.��Da Ai TV reports on students from the Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning (TCML) participating in the Lunar New Year event at Tzu Chi Academy North Toronto. During the campus open day tour, students explore Spring Festival traditions and "must-eat" festive dishes, personally experiencing the beauty of Chinese culture under the guidance of Principal Jane Huang.

A video showcasing the lessons and activities of the 2026 Winter Adult Mandarin Class is played at the ceremony, allowing guests to witness the students' enriching learning journey and fruitful results.��Member of Parliament Costas Menegakis presents a congratulatory certificate to Principal Jane Huang, highly recognizing Tzu Chi North Toronto���s outstanding contributions to promoting Mandarin education and multiculturalism through its long-standing community service.

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