Earlier this month, some of our boys from the Baan Than Namchai Foundation were lucky enough to take part in the novice monk ordination project at Kongka Pimuk Temple. Here’s a recap of what happened!
What Is The Novice Monk Ordination Project?
This project is a way of showing respect and thanks to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Siam Borom Rajkumar. A lot of the parents will send their children during the school holidays because it has a number of benefits. It’s a fantastic way to keep the kids occupied, helps them learn good behaviour and encourages them to be positive role models and good members of society.
The overarching goal is to help the younger members of the community realise their duty to treat their peers, parents, teachers, as well as national, religious and monarchy institutions with respect. This is an extremely valuable lesson, because often due to their unfortunate circumstances and no fault of their own, their relationship with authority and their elders can be strained.
By using the principles that the monks teach consistently in daily life, the youth can grow up to be good, moral and contributing members of society. The teachings are constantly updated to ensure it’s a relevant experience for the kids.
What Are They Learning?
Here are some of the key things the kids learn during the project.
The impacts of social media and the potential risks it brings
How to protect themselves from peer pressure and the urge to make bad choices.
How to adapt the ever-changing society
How to be a good to their guardians, and a good student to their teachers
How to work with other as a team
Ways to co-exist harmoniously with others
Problem solving skills
Being tactful, logical, positive, constructive and considerate in society.
These are vital skills that we hope the boys will bring back to the Hands Home and share with the other children. Unfortunately, due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, the experience at the Buddhist novice project was cut short. The kids were disappointed about leaving so soon, but it has left the children extremely eager to take part next year, and hopefully for much longer!
