Growing an Effective Sunday Dhamma School: A Principal's Perspective | Bhante Dr. Gangodawila Chandima and Ci Xin
Dear Dhamma Friends,
Stay tuned for Wednesday, May 1 evening as we continue with our Dhammapariyesanā series #63.
Please join the host, Bhante Dr. Chandima, as he speaks with Ci Xin about how to effectively build a Sunday Dhamma School. Ci Xin's work as Chairperson of SKEDS (principal) at Seck Kia Eenh temple in Melaka has received special attention because she took on the challenge of transitioning the school from physical to online during the COVID-19 pandemic and then successfully bringing the online to physical class style by generating interest among the children and community. As Patisota, we believe she has a lot to share with us about running an effective dhamma school in the face of challenges and taking dhamma schools to the next level of Buddhist education by keeping students engaged.
Bio of Ci Xin
Ci Xin was introduced to the Mahayana tradition when she was 7 years old, and her encounter with the Theravada tradition came 2 years later. Since then, she has identified as a practicing Buddhist. She attended Seck Kia Eenh Dhamma School (SKEDS) throughout her schooling years and returned to serve the organization that witnessed her spiritual growth when she was posted back to her hometown for work. She stood in as a coordinator for SKEDS when there was a lull in the operation of the Dhamma school during the Covid-19 pandemic. Alongside a team of supportive volunteers, they ensured the successful yet challenging transition of SKEDS from physical classes to online lessons for almost 2 years. When lockdown restrictions were lifted, she took a step back and continued to serve from the sidelines. By August 2024, she will have completed her 2-year tenure as the chairperson of SKEDS, a position she chose to serve in.
This live interview/discussion can be watched on both the Patisota Facebook page and YouTube channel. Stay tuned for updates on this event a few days before May 1. Looking forward to seeing you at 9 a.m. (Malaysia time). (6.00pm Vancouver), (6.30am Colombo) on May 1.
May you be well and happy!
Patisota Team
She was 10 when I once served the school. She visited me at home to hear what this 63-year old ex-coordinator thinks about her intention of shouldering such an important undertaking of running a Dhamma school. I asked her why she wanted to volunteer when people at her age have so many other commitments and she answered, “The Dhamma school and the Buddha Dhamma has benefited me in a special way, I want find a way to give back.” I smiled knowing that the SKEDS is in good hands and that she will continue to grow with her well-intended undertakings. Well done, CiXin. I wish for many more good Dhamma buddies to come your way and help uplift the role and quality of Dhamma education.
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