To engage students on-line, facilitators came up with more effective learning strategies.

On 8 November 2020, Nalanda Dhamma School held its “Appreciation Day” with over 130 facilitators and students on ‘Zoom’, the on-line venue for most classes this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The session was filled with gratitude over the commitment and effort that all facilitators, parents and students put in to ensure a smooth Dhamma learning experience continues every week despite the institution of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in mid-March.

The School had been swift to adapt to conducting classes on-line, with both facilitators and students exploring new ways to effectively gather and continue their learning experience.  Naga and Garuda house leaders took the initiative to rally their fellow students’ participation by self-organising the morning service every Sunday, and giving their classmates opportunities to host each session.  With engaging activities such as quizzes and debates, students were able to deepen and demonstrate their understanding of Dhamma.

Working remotely to produce the videos, students embraced the spirit of unity and harmony in completing this exhibition which reached audiences across our borders.

The School also kept their long-held tradition in organising the Buddha-Jayanti Exhibition for Buddha Day, by producing a series of videos with the theme “Happy Mind, Happy Life” published in the www.wesak.org.my website.  The stop-motion animations explored the different approaches to forging mental strength and well-being including how to meditate and train mindfulness.  Students aptly showed that the cultivation of calm, simplicity and contentment enables us to live fuller lives.

We extend our deepest appreciation to Director of Nalanda Dhamma School, Sis. Sunanda Ong and her team of committed facilitators for leading the School’s progress in spite of the challenges the pandemic has brought.  Our thanks also go out to all students, parents and supporters for their determination and positivity in making this year a fruitful and meaningful one.  We look forward to welcoming students back again for a year of fruitful learning.