Young Virtuous Person School Holiday Program《小君子学习营》
Our Purpose
The Young Virtuous Person School Holiday Program was established to help children of the Chinese diaspora in Australia develop a stronger connection to their Chinese cultural heritage, strengthen their moral character, and develop the cultural fluency required to navigate both Chinese and Australian social contexts while drawing on the strengths of each tradition.
Through a diverse range of engaging cultural, educational and values-based activities, participants gain exposure to the wisdom, traditions and achievements of one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations. The program seeks to spark curiosity, nurture a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and identity, and encourage lifelong learning.
Unlike traditional Chinese language schools, which primarily focus on language acquisition and literacy, or extracurricular programs centred on a single skill, the Young Virtuous Person Program adopts a holistic approach to cultural and character development. Its aim is to help young people become morally grounded, culturally fluent and socially responsible individuals who are able to engage effectively across both Chinese and Australian cultural settings while maintaining a strong sense of identity and belonging.
Delivered exclusively during school holidays, the program is operated on a not-for-profit basis, led by volunteers and supported through partnerships with community organisations that share a common commitment to preserving Chinese culture and promoting moral education for future generations.
What is a Young Virtuous Person?
A Young Virtuous Person is a child who strives to embody the values of filial respect, good manners, gratitude, honesty and integrity in their daily life. These timeless virtues form the foundation of good character and positive citizenship.
The concept draws inspiration from the ideal of the Jun Zi (君子), a person who strives to embody the virtues of integrity, respect, responsibility and moral excellence. For more than two millennia, the Jun Zi has represented one of the highest standards of personal development within Chinese civilisation.
In Chinese, a Young Virtuous Person is known as a Xiao Jun Zi (小君子). The word Xiao, meaning “young”, signifies a child who is beginning their journey towards becoming a Jun Zi. The name was deliberately chosen for the youth programs of Zee Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society, whose mission places strong emphasis on moral cultivation and character development.
Through sustained investment in youth education and character formation, the Society hopes to inspire the next generation to develop strong personal character, strengthen family and community relationships, contribute positively to society and become ethical leaders wherever life may take them.
Our Story
The origins of the Young Virtuous Person School Holiday Program can be traced to the successful Chinese Speech Competition on the theme of Filial Piety organised by the Chinese Community Society of Victoria in 2025. The event highlighted a growing desire within the community to provide more opportunities for young Australians of Chinese heritage to learn about traditional values, cultural heritage and moral virtues.
Inspired by this experience, leaders of the Zee Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society began exploring the establishment of a dedicated cultural and moral education program for children. Guidance and feedback were sought from a Chinese Community Advisory Committee comprising representatives from the Chinese Community Society of Victoria, Golden Flower Chinese Friendship Association, Wisdom Kids Chinese Learning Centre, JNU Chinese Language and Culture School, the Guang Dong Association of Victoria, and Chap Chow, People of Australia Ambassador (2012–2014).
The encouragement received was overwhelmingly positive. Community leaders recognised the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for younger generations to strengthen their connection to Chinese culture, develop moral character and acquire the cultural fluency needed to thrive in a multicultural Australian society.
With the support of the Chinese Community Society of Victoria, which provided the initial seed funding for the initiative, the inaugural Young Virtuous Person School Holiday Program was successfully launched in January 2026.
Zee Cheng Khor Moral Uplifting Society gratefully acknowledges the Chinese Community Society of Victoria for its inspiration, leadership and founding financial support. The Society also extends its sincere appreciation to members of the Chinese Community Advisory Committee, community partners, volunteers and donors whose advice, encouragement and contributions have helped bring this vision to life.
🎉 The Young Virtuous Person School Holiday Program (小君子学习营) is back by popular demand!
📅 6 – 10 July 2026
📍 ZCK Community Centre, Clayton South
🧒 Ages 6 – 12
⚠️ Limited to 30 Children
💖 Children will learn important values such as:
🙏 Respect & Good Manners
❤️ Gratitude & Appreciation
👨👩👧👦 Filial Respect for Parents
🛡️ Honesty & Integrity
✨ They will also enjoy:
🎨 Chinese Painting
🎵 Chinese Music
🥋 Chinese Kung Fu
🐉 Chinese Dragon Dance
🌏 Chinese Geography
🏮 Chinese Festivals & Customs
📜 Chinese Family Tree & Heritage
🏛️ Chinese History
🍜 Chinese Cuisine & Food Culture
🌱 Eco Enzyme Workshop
🎭 Drama, Skits & Performance Training
🎓 Graduation Ceremony & Student Showcase
📅 Friday 10 July 2026
🕒 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Parents, grandparents, family and friends are encouraged to attend and see what the children have learned throughout the week.
⚠️ Please save the date and request time off work early so you don’t miss this special event.