Talks in Penang

We recently concluded two talks in Penang. The first one on May 24 organized by FamilyPlace with Slone held at the ESL Connection in Jalan Burma. Wai Leng and I spoke about home education and homeschooling. Most parents who attended were concerned about their children's education and the quality of current schooling systems. Our conclusion, homeschooling is the way to go! After the talk, a parent email us strongly stating "we will adopt the unschooling approach". Great to know, parents are taking charge of their children's education.

with Wai Leng at ESL Connection speaking to interested parents

The next day, we were speakers in a Buddhist education seminar organized by Aloka Education Foundation. This event was an introduction to the perspectives of education and learning specially targeted to Sunday school teachers.

Wai Leng speaking to Buddhist Sunday School teachers @ the Caring Community Center

The key message was that every child is different and are geniuses in their own right. Dumbing down using one approach in school leaves many children unable to realize their potential. Parents need to take control and take charge - it does not matter is their children are schooling conventionally or homeschooling. Every child deserves the respect and dignity to be accepted for who they are.

Message to my Buddhist friends - In the Buddhist teachings, it is taught that "there is a Buddha-seed in all being". We would treat children differently if they Buddhas, right? So Buddhist centers should not replicate being schools, they should be points for educational transformation, bringing spirituality making learning holistic and fun. Sunday Dharma Schools need to more of a "skool" and to show that "Dharma's kool"!

Stay "kool"