Introduction and Objectives of the Education and Teacher Training Committee

I. Introduction

The Education and Teacher Training Committee of the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM) carries the mission of promoting the development of Buddhist education nationwide. The committee is mainly responsible for the research and development of Buddhist educational resources, the design and promotion of Buddhist curricula, the training and nurturing of teachers, and the uniting of Buddhist youth in teacher training to enhance the quality and influence of Buddhist education.

Upholding the principle of “Integrating the Dharma into daily life and modernising education”, the committee combines the wisdom of the Buddha with modern educational methods to develop materials and activity models suited for different age groups, making Buddhist education lively, engaging, and relevant to daily life. Through the organisation of training courses, workshops, lectures, and camps, the Education and Teacher Training Committee is committed to cultivating professional and mission-driven Buddhist teachers and counsellors, and to promoting the dissemination and practice of the Dharma in society.

---

II. Objectives

1. Promote Buddhist Education
   Actively promote Dharma education in a systematic and modernised manner, allowing Buddhist principles to enter schools, Dharma classes, and communities, thereby nurturing the next generation with compassion and wisdom.

2. Cultivate Buddhist Teachers
   Nurture teachers with Buddhist knowledge, educational skills, and a spirit of service to support Buddhist teaching nationwide and raise the standard of Buddhist education.

3. Develop Textbooks and Curricula
   Produce localised and practical creative materials such as picture books, board games, the HUAN Buddhist Children’s Illustrated Magazine, and the online Children’s Dim Sum Programme to meet the needs of learners of different age groups.

4. Innovate Teaching Methods
   Incorporate games, arts, picture books, board games, and digital technology into teaching, in line with modern educational trends, to make Dharma learning more engaging and interactive.

5. Promote Core Buddhist Values
   Through education, convey the essence of Buddhism—compassion, wisdom, gratitude, and harmony—shaping youth with positive values and fostering a harmonious society.

---

III. Overview of Past Activities

Since its establishment, the Education and Teacher Training Committee has undertaken the important mission of modernising Buddhist education and training teachers. Over the years, the committee has actively planned diverse educational activities to meet the needs of contemporary Buddhist education. Key activities include:

A. Buddhist Education Promotion Activities

1. National Buddhist Teacher Training Courses

   • Goal: Enhance the teaching ability and Dharma literacy of Dharma class teachers and volunteers.

   • Content: Buddhist foundation courses, use of Buddhist textbooks, teaching methods, and classroom interaction techniques.

   • Impact: Successfully trained over a hundred Buddhist teachers, widely serving Dharma classes, Buddhist societies, and life camps.

2. Children’s Picture Book Camps and Buddhist Life Camps

   • Purpose: Help children learn the Dharma through experiential activities, cultivating compassion and positive values.

   • Highlights: Meditation experiences, Dharma storytelling, eco-friendly crafts, and Buddhist-themed games.

   • Format: National and state-level Dharma camps attracting large numbers of children.

3. Buddhist Picture Book and Resource Development

   • Significance: Develop localised and engaging Buddhist children’s picture books as resources for Dharma classes and parent-child reading.

   • Workshops: Picture book creation workshops to guide volunteers and educators in content design.

---

B. Teacher Training and Professional Development

1. Training for Buddhist Society Advisors / Care Leaders

   • Participants: Secondary school Buddhist society advisors, university Buddhist youth mentors, and youth counsellors.

   • Content: Leadership development, event planning skills, and Dharma teaching methods.

   • Goal: Establish a group of capable and mission-driven young Buddhist leaders.

2. Creative Teaching and Digital Education Workshops

   • Themes:

     • Gamification of teaching

     • Picture book teaching

     • Digital Dharma education techniques

---

C. Creative and Digital Education Projects

1. Buddhist Children’s Dim Sum Programme

   • Format: Short video programme combining stories, crafts, chanting, and Dharma knowledge, with an entertaining and educational approach.

   • Goal: Deliver core Buddhist values to children in a fun way, suitable for families and Dharma classes.

2. Buddhist Board Game Creation Competitions and Workshops

   • Purpose: Promote creative teaching by integrating Buddhist concepts into board games, making learning more enjoyable.

   • Participants: Buddhist teachers, volunteers, and young creators.

3. Online Buddhist Education Series

   • Background: Hosted several online education and teacher training activities to engage Chinese trainee teachers.

---

IV. International Activities

1. Education Study Tour to Taiwan

2. Education Study Tours to Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou