Mission Statement for the Buddhist Education for Victorian Schools Project

1. Buddhist Education classes aim to contribute to the spiritual development of every child who attends the classes, while respecting and complementing the on-going education program provided by schools.
2. The emphasis of Buddhist education classes would be on tolerance, co-operation and non-violence, aiming to develop within the students the knowledge, skills and values required to be part of a harmonious and peaceful community.
3. Everything taught in Buddhist education classes is based on the teachings of the Buddha, without adhering to any one particular tradition or cultural practice.
4. In keeping with contemporary educational approaches, lessons would be built around co-operative and active learning, respecting and drawing on the children’s own experiences.
5. Buddhist education teachers are volunteers who have been recommended by their spiritual organizations and who have participated in the required training program.
6. Buddhist classes are made available by the Victorian Buddhist community and are open to all children regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds.
7. These classes would only be offered where the Principal, School Council and parents have requested that they be made available.
8. In offering these classes, the Buddhist community seeks to make a contribution to the moral and spiritual education in the Australian community.
9. Buddhist education classes are fully supported and resourced by the Buddhist Council of Victoria.