Thanks for dropping by
My favourite cause...
Maitreya Education Project provides free education to about 500 village children from poor families in Bodhgaya, India (famous as the place of the Buddha's enlightenment).
The unique curriculum, emphasising ethical development as well as academic achievement, covers primary, secondary and vocational education.
The school:
- provides free education from kindergarten to senior secondary level for children regardless of religion, caste, gender or social status.
- promotes the qualities of kindness and compassion, ethical behaviour and a sense of universal responsibility.
- inspires children with the qualities of leadership and the motivation to bring peace, happiness and well-being to their communities.
- provides teacher training both locally and internationally.
Why and how to help?
To get straight to the point. These 500 or so children are relying on our generosity to receive a good education. This is their best and only shot at building a good life for themselves.
So we - you and I and your friends - can make a very real difference to the lives of others in these difficult times, for a very small outlay.
The school relies entirely on donations from individuals to operate, and has no major institutional or government funding. It is only through the generosity of ordinary people from around the world that the school continues to serve.
It is difficult, without having spent time in developing countries, to have an appreciation of the real situation, however without your help there is very little opportunity for these children. For them, the things we take for granted, such as electricity, running water, food on the table and an education are a luxury, not a right.
So, instead of spending a $20 on lunch, or $100 on a new pair of jeans, why not sponsor me and make that money really meaningful by giving a child a chance in life.
Get Involved
If you would like to be of more help, why not set up a fundraising page just like this and send it to all of your friends. Hold an event, a lunch party, run a marathon, take singing lessons or whatever and ask your circle of friends to sponsor you. Fundraising can be fun and rewarding.
Things you can sponsor me for.
- Doing Nothing
- Spending time in Bodhgaya. How about $1 per day (or $1.50 in summer). I've spent 6 years there in total to date, so you can backdate your sponsorship and donate now.
- Eating Golgappa. $1 per piece.
Golgappa are Gods gift to Indian snacks. They are at once salty yet sweet, wet yet dry, crunchy yet soft. For more info on this little gem, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panipuri
Why do I look odd in the photo?
As you can see by the image, I am wearing a suit. This may cause people who know me not to recognise me, or to keel over in shock. Its true. Maitreya Project School has inspired me to dress well, amongst other things.
Sponsor me... it’s easy!
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.
Thanks for your support - and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!