In the heart of Battambang province, the gentle hum of dharma recitations resonates through the halls of Wat Kampheng Primary School in Kammeakor village.

The familiar drone isn’t just restricted to pagodas as it’s also a testament to an innovative educational endeavour.

Students here, along with those at three other local schools, are being enriched with Buddhist psychological teachings imparted by monks.

Nab Romduol, the deputy director of Wat Kampheng Primary School, shared with The Post that the school caters to 628 students from grades 1 to 6.

While the school follows the curriculum set by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, attending students are also gifted with added sessions on Buddhism.

“The monks teach once a month in each class, offering lessons for just an hour, from grade 2 to 6,” she said.

These sessions encompass moral teachings, prayers, and this month, lessons have extended up to Grade 6.

This initiative stems from the Buddhism for Education of Cambodia (BEC). Remarkably, the monks volunteer their time without charge. Romduol believes this form of teaching is pivotal for holistic growth.

“Monks’ teachings provide students with vital psychological education. It helps them develop mental resilience and patience, both emotionally and physically,” she said.

Educating students in Buddhist principles from a young age equips them with good morals, discernment between right and wrong, and understanding of commendable deeds. This, she hopes, can mitigate societal problems. Apart from teaching, monks have also generously donated books and pens to students in need.

Venerable Toun Phally, a project manager of the BEC, led by Venerable Hak Sienghai, offered insights into the project’s aspirations.

“The aim is to imbue young minds with Buddhist knowledge,” Phally said.

Beyond imparting wisdom, there’s a broader goal of ensuring the youth lead ethical lives, standing as stalwarts for the nation’s future.

He observed that today’s youth experience diverse challenges. Some find solace in dharma, while others, due to societal influences, may stray from moral paths.

To address this, his team pioneered this educational initiative focused on morality.

The initiative spearheaded by the BEC extends beyond Wat Kampheng Primary School.

Monks also teach at Wat Kor Primary School, Wat Kor Secondary School and Kampong Seima Primary School.

This project primarily focuses on Buddhist morality, encouraging students to understand its principles, honour elders and show respect to monks.

“It’s not merely the monks’ presence that instils discipline and a moral compass in students. Regular teachers also play a vital role in moulding their character,” Phally pointed out. “While teachers provide moral guidance, monks introduce students to an inherent sense of tranquillity found within Buddhism”.

Additionally, the monks don’t just focus on morality. They cover various sutras, including the homage dharma, a recitation extolling the virtues of the Buddha.

This initiative kicked off in 2012, initially at Wat Kampheng Primary School, before finding its way to three more institutions.

Venerable Phally noted the absence of high school participation due to the limited number of monks available and the adequate education already provided at the primary and secondary levels.

The resulting impact is a strengthened bond between monks and students, a deeper appreciation for Khmer traditions, and an enhanced respect for elders and parents.

Parents, too, have expressed their gratitude to the monks and the BEC. The monks visit these schools monthly, offering an hour-long lesson every week.

Eleven dedicated monks rotate teaching duties, bearing their own travel expenses. The BEC’s sustenance relies on generous contributions from both local and international Buddhists who value the work being done, with no other sources of support.

Try Hak, head of the Office of Education, Youth and Sport in Battambang town, praised the monks’ voluntary contributions and their partnership with schools.

“This collaboration, particularly with insights from Venerable Hak Sienghai, has played a pivotal role in uplifting the moral fabric of our youth,” he expressed.