“In Buddhist classes you are trying to relax and get a clear mind, whereas in school you are trying to cram more things into it, so it’s quite different.”
“It helps me to be calm and peaceful. I have a better understanding of life.”
Buddhist Teachers only have 30 minutes a week to make a difference, and feedback like this shows how beneficial this time can be. In our society, children also often feel the effects of stress. By teaching Buddhist techniques such as meditation we may be able to relieve children of the stress they feel and improve their overall learning experience. It is important to note that this knowledge not only touches children from a Buddhist faith but all other children as well.
Under Victorian government legislation enacted in 1905 Special Religious Instruction is allowed to be taught in all government primary schools for 30 minutes a week. Since that time only Christian religious instruction was taught. However, in 1998 the Victorian government encouraged members of other religious groups to participate in the program. A few years later, in 2004, the Buddhist Council of Victoria (BCV) took up the initiative and started teaching Buddhism with one school. Today, in 2012, there are up to 12 volunteer teachers in up to 12 schools to more than 300 children.
We would like you to share this meritorious deed with us by:
- volunteering to become a volunteer teacher; or
- requesting for schools to have Buddhism taught; or
- be a member of the program team; or
- by making a donation to the program.
The Buddhist Education Program has DGR status which means that donations over $2.00 are tax deductable.
Please go to our website www.bcv.org.au for information to be a volunteer, or a volunteer teacher, or you can make a donation now to support the program.
Donations by Cheque:
Please make cheques payable to BCV Religious Instruction Fund, and include a note with your name and postal address so we can send you a receipt for tax purposes.
Postal address to send cheque:
The Treasurer,
Buddhist Education in Schools Program,
P.O. Box 606, North Carlton, Victoria 3054
Donations by Direct Transfer:
Name of account: Buddhist Council of Victoria Religious Instruction Fund
BSB: 063 806 A/C No.: 1011 1514
In the To account description complete: Your initials Last Name RIF e.g. PK Page RIF
Please send an email with your name and postal address to Katharine.Ching@bcv.org.au and pkpage@bcv.org.au so we can send a receipt to you for tax purposes.
Thank you for your support
