Something struck me the other day after I felt the glow of having done something for someone... giving is bliss!! We keep getting told what an abysmal situation the world is in, yet here is a way to really feel empowered and to lift your spirits all at the same time - giving! With that said, I would like to offer you the opportunity to share in the buzz by giving freely, either with a financial donation or by giving of your time to sponsor a page just like this one in order to do some fundraising for a wonderful 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. The gritty reality of the lives of the poor of India was portrayed in the Oscar winning film "Slumdog Millionaire". The film touched on just a small aspect of the realilty that is lived on a daily basis. Maitreya Education Project is helping ensure that the new generation who attend their schools will have the best opportunity of getting a good education thereby improving their lives, the lives of their families and of their community.
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 that $20 on lunch this week, 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 a financial contribution is really beyond your means at this time, 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 is yet another way of giving and can be a great deal of fun and greatly rewarding.
Things you can sponsor me for.
- Keeping my head nicely shaved on a daily basis - $20?
- Time spent in daily meditation - I estimate that I have spent approximately 4,800 hours in meditation since I started the practice. That's 200 days. So... a dollar a day? fifty cents a day? a penny a day? Every little bit helps...
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 and everyone who you think might want to donate too!