Nurturing learning and friendships at Stay-In Programme

Nurturing learning and friendships at Stay-In Programme

Facilitators and students smiling with grateful hearts for the meaningful time spent together.

From 14 to 16 February, over 80 students and facilitators of Nalanda Dhamma School came together for an enriching stay-in programme at Nalanda Centre. The programme served as a warm introduction for students, helping them understand the purpose of Dhamma School while fostering the spirit of kalyāṇamittatā (spiritual friendship).

Over the three days, participants engaged in insightful learning sessions and devotional practices of chanting and meditation. Through programmes such as outdoor activities, workshops, electives, and acts of service, students explored the Dhamma in creative and engaging ways while strengthening their sense of belonging in the Dhamma community. As they learned, practiced, and grew together, their bonds with one another deepened, creating meaningful connections along the way.

Students learn devotional practices through morning and evening chanting.

Sis. See Hui Shien, the Director of Nalanda Dhamma School welcoming students and sharing the meaning of the theme “Welcome to Dhamma with Spiritual Friends”.

Sis. Lau Wei Nee sharing reminders to take good care of each other during the three days programme.

A heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated facilitators and volunteers for making this stay-in programme a fruitful and inspiring experience! May our students continue their journey in the Dhamma with diligence, faith, and the support of their spiritual friends. Sadhu anumodana.

Simple yet meaningful games to remind the students to not give up easily.

Folding paper planes and sending good wishes to their friends.

Throughout the stay-in, students slowly open up and build meaningful connections with each other.

Camp master, Bro. Rueben Ng reminding students to take care of their safety and keep high learning spirit in the stay-in.

Sis. Lau Wei Nee giving a Dhamma sharing to the students.

In the Dhamma sharing, students were given the opportunity to discuss their understanding and clarify their doubts.

Sis. Poh Chin Hui, the Junior School Coordinator sharing with students the Buddhist cultures we can practice and the purpose behind them.

A hands-on activity for students to learn how they can work well together.

Teenagers took up the roles to guide their younger friends in the Dhamma.

Students also went outdoor to have some fun and build teamwork with their group members.

In the evening, learning continued with devotional practices and Dhamma learning.

Bro. Lim Ajita, who is also a graduate from Nalanda Dhamma School, sharing with students about Pali chanting.

The winning team from the sports competition on the first day was rewarded with a special opportunity to participate in the monthly Pindacara in Seri Kembangan market.

All students also had the opportunity to offer dana to venerable monks at Nalanda Centre.

With much joy, students learn how to support the monastics and perform wholesome deeds.

Sis. Buddhini Tan, the President of Nalanda Buddhist Society giving encouragement to the students.

Through the acts of service, students learn to take good care of their learning environment.

A good friend dialogue was conducted for students to get to know their facilitators better.

Students asked various questions about their challenges, and facilitators shared their suggestions and advice.

Meditation session is an important part of devotional practice to cultivate our mind.

Students also experienced walking meditation to train the mind.

A joyful birthday celebration for our good friend.

Based on their own preferences, students selected the electives they wish to participate in.

Our joyful group of hosts.

Students using their skills to share the Dhamma through arts.

Our creative artists in the Dhamma through Arts group.

Students learn skills of public speaking in their effort to share the Dhamma through storytelling.

Our courageous storytellers from the Dhamma through Storytelling group.

Many young students are keen to convey the message of Dhamma through drama.

Students also were given the option to present the Dhamma through music.

Our talented singers in the Dhamma through Music group.

On the last day of the stay-in programme, parents were invited to be the audience for the presentations and performances by the students.

Although many students were nervous for their performance, with the encouragement from the facilitators and friends, they did well in sharing the Dhamma with their parents through the various mediums.

One of the artwork by the students, using the lines from Dhammapada verse 20.

Our young storyteller wrote her own story and memorised it in a day and shared a meaningful message of “Return evil with good”.

Students also courageously hosted the session themselves.

We thank all facilitators, volunteers and parents for your kind support to make this stay-in programme a meaningful one.