Another Mid-Autumn Festival has arrived, bringing excitement and anticipation as the children look forward to this special celebration. Although the weather on September 22, 2026 was not ideal, with unexpected showers throughout the morning, the children from Fuji, Yuri, and Himawari were still excited to set off for a special outing: the “Lanterns That Light Up Love” Mid-Autumn lantern-making workshop. 

Unlike previous outings focused on exploring nature, this trip offered a different kind of experience, giving the children opportunities to discover differences, empathy, and sharing through activities inspired by the Mid-Autumn Festival. 

Despite the rainy weather, the children were still excited about this special outing. 

DISCOVERING A NEW “LANGUAGE” 

At the workshop, the children had the opportunity to meet and interact with people who are deaf and were born deaf through a special form of communication—sign language, expressed through hands, eyes, and gestures. 

For the first time, alongside Vietnamese and English, the children were introduced to a new “language” and discovered that people can connect with one another in many different ways. Their little hands were hesitant at first, but gradually became more confident as they learned simple signs such as “Hello,” “Thank you,” “I love you, Mom and Dad,” “Smile,” and “Cry.” Through this experience, the children had an opportunity to understand and respect differences, while discovering that even when people communicate in different ways, there are always ways to listen, understand, and connect with one another. 

The children met some very special new friends. 

After some initial hesitation, the children gradually became more confident in using simple signs. 

FROM LANTERNS WITH THEIR OWN UNIQUE TOUCH 

Each child had the opportunity to choose a lantern template and create their own Mid-Autumn lantern. Using the available materials, they cut, glued, and decorated their lanterns according to their own ideas, allowing each one to take shape in its own unique way. Through these hands-on activities, the children developed fine motor skills, hand coordination, and dexterity, while also having opportunities to express their creativity and sense of aesthetics. 

Each child chose their own lantern template. 

And worked with a limited amount of materials. 

With the materials available in limited quantities, the children also learned to use resources thoughtfully, appreciate what they have, and share materials with others. 

From simple materials, each lantern took on its own shape and character—just as every child has their own unique way of exploring, creating, and expressing themselves. 

The children’s unique lanterns gradually came to life. 

TO STAR LANTERNS THAT LIGHT UP A LOVING MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL 

Alongside their individual lanterns, the children also worked together to create a large star lantern to give to the children and adults at the Da Nang City Center for Nurturing People with Disabilities. Each child contributed a small part to the shared creation, choosing, cutting, gluing, and decorating as the lantern gradually took shape. Through this process, the children experienced the joy of creating something with their own hands and giving their creation to others. 

From feeling proud of something they had created themselves, the children gradually discovered the value of sharing: what they make can also bring joy and love to someone else. 

Alongside their individual lanterns, the children also helped create a star lantern to give to the children and adults at the Da Nang City Center for Nurturing People with Disabilities. 

As there was not enough time to complete the lantern during the workshop, the children brought it back to school and continued working on it. 

The star lanterns were gradually completed. 

And were delivered to the Da Nang City Center for Nurturing People with Disabilities. 

The star lanterns created by the Sakura children were completed and delivered to the Da Nang City Center for Nurturing People with Disabilities, carrying the children’s love and Mid-Autumn wishes. 

From one special outing, the children brought home more than just lanterns. They gained meaningful experiences of embracing differences, creativity, sharing, and kindness—values that can grow naturally from experiences close to children’s everyday lives. 

Each lantern is a small light. And when these lights are shared, they come together to create a sky full of love, lighting up the Mid-Autumn season of 2026 at Sakura - Olympia.