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When we first started our educational support program Are there programs to assist the education of nuns,
in Wat Kraya, our intention was to be able to replicate and those who wish to become nuns?
the success of our education model to other provinces
in Cambodia. However, as we progressed, we realized So far, there isn’t any specific education program
that it wasn’t a simple journey. To build a sustainable for nuns as being a Theravada-based Buddhist
model, it requires focused effort not just on how the country, nuns’ ordination is not yet a common
resources are being allocated but also how to train and practice in Cambodia. However, as we observed on
develop the human capital who are able to take on the the development of Theravada Buddhist countries
local responsibilities in running the school and coaching like Thailand and Myanmar, we do see the potential
the young novices. on the revival of nun ordination in the country in the
near future. For Udumbara Mission, we are definitely
At Wat Kraya, we are indeed touched and grateful supportive of any education program that is necessary
that over the last ten years, there have been over 200 for the Buddhist nuns’ development in the country.
novices ordained. To date, there are still around 100
students who remained as Saṅgha members. Some of You were recently awarded the Knight Grand Cross
our students have graduated from the university and by the Cambodian Government on 30 May 2023 for
some are currently pursuing their higher education your work in supporting the education of monks
overseas e.g., Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya in the country. As this is the highest recognition for
University in Thailand. We are definitely encouraging what foreigners do in Cambodia, can you share with
the ex-students from Wat Kraya to return to the school us your feelings about this recognition?
upon their graduation to teach and benefit their
community. We would like to thank the Cambodian government
for supporting and recognizing our work in Cambodia.
I understand your activities also benefit the laity. However, I definitely do not see this award as a
How are these activities different from that of the recognition to just myself, but most importantly, to all
monks? our team members, sponsors and volunteers who have
contributed wholeheartedly in our mission to empower
In Wat Kraya, while the resident monks attend the full- lives with Wisdom & Compassion.
time curriculum in the school, our school also provides
Please share with our readers how they can contact
part-time English and Computer lessons to the rest of
Udumbara Mission to support your many noble
the children within the community. In addition, our
activities in Cambodia.
yearly education support program also distributes
scholarships and stationeries to the lay Buddhist youths
in the community. Please stay tuned to our latest program in our webpage
and kindly contact us at udumbaramission@gmail.com
should you have further queries. EH