Mission statement
Under the auspices of Religions for Peace, to manage and deliver a quality non-sectarian Buddhist education program within the Victorian Government’s Special Religious Instruction (SRI) in Schools program.
Aims of the Buddhist Education in Victorian schools program
- Buddhist Education classes aim to contribute to the spiritual development of every child while respecting and complementing the on-going education program provided by schools.
- Buddhist Education classes aim to develop wisdom and compassion required to be part of a harmonious and peaceful community.
- Buddhist Education classes aim to be non-sectarian. They are based on the teachings of the Buddha, and do not adhere to any one particular tradition or cultural practice.
- In keeping with contemporary educational approaches, lessons are built around co-operative and active learning. The lessons respect and draw on children’s own experiences.
Our committee and teachers
Who was involved in the establishment of the program?
Communities involved in the initial steering committee included members of the Vietnamese, Chinese, Laotian, Cambodian, Sri Lankan, Tibetan and Anglo Australian ethnic groups from the Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions.
Who oversees this program?
The Education Committee of the BCV is composed of representatives from different Buddhist traditions and cultures, with expertise in education and project planning.
Where do our volunteer teachers come from?
Our teachers are all volunteers drawn from a wide range of local Buddhist communities.
What do our volunteer teachers require to join the program?
They require a recommendation by a senior Buddhist teacher or a senior member of a Buddhist community that their knowledge of Buddhism is sufficient for them to be a volunteer teacher to primary school children. All volunteers must also obtain the Victorian Government Working With Children Check
What training do we provide?
Voluntary teachers must complete the 15 hour teachers training course including school visits and class observations. Volunteer teachers will be provided with on going professional development. Each teacher is provided with a copy of the “Discovering Buddha” curriculum and test of “Prince Siddharta”.
What teaching resources do we use in class?
“Discovering Buddha” a comprehensive teaching resource manual was developed by the education program to provide a range of lesson plans and activities for volunteer teachers to use in class.
Who can attend Buddhist classes?
Buddhist classes are made available to all children whose parents have requested it and where the school council has endorsed the religious instruction program.
When are these classes offered?
These classes are offered when parents have requested them via the school council and the request has been approved by the School Council.