Prajna Vihar School
“Abode of Wisdom”
An inter-religious school in Bodhgaya educating around 650 children from the poorest families - the project BDA has supported the longest.
Bodhgaya, India · Australian charity since 1993
Education is the key to lifting a community out of poverty.
We’re a small group of passionate Australians supporting schools, health care and women’s livelihoods in the impoverished villages around Bodhgaya - the place where the Buddha found enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree.
100% of donations reach the ground - run entirely by volunteers
Why we’re here
Empowering communities with the knowledge to change their own future.
From a single tent in 1993, the BDA has grown to support four life-changing projects in and around Bodhgaya. Every one is built on the same belief: that education is the most powerful, most lasting way out of poverty.
The association is incorporated and run by volunteers in Australia who donate their own time and cover all administrative costs - so the generosity of our supporters flows directly to the people it’s meant for.
Our story & peopleFour projects, one purpose
Each project meets a different need - but together they give families the schooling, health and income they need to thrive.
Jeevan Deep
“Lamp of Life”
Health care, clean-water wells and vocational training for low-caste rural communities in and around Bodhgaya.
Pragati Sewing Centre
“Progress”
Sewing and tailoring skills that give marginalised tribal women a way to earn an income and build independence.
Gyanjyoty Academy
“Light of Knowledge”
Free education for 223 children from outlying villages who would otherwise work in the fields instead of going to school.
See exactly what your donation does
Real outcomes, not overheads. Here’s what a gift achieves on the ground in Bodhgaya.
A$100
Educates a child for a year
A full year of schooling for one child at Prajna Vihar School.
A$75
Community health & learning
Health and education materials for a rural community.
A$50
Trains two women to sew
Income-earning skills for two women at Pragati Sewing Centre.
A$25
Basic rural health care
Essential health services through Jeevan Deep.
Three decades of generosity, added up
- ~90
- children educated each year
- 650+
- students at Prajna Vihar School
- $8,000+
- raised at our 2024 trivia night
- 6,000
- bottles recycled for Containers for Change
Make a difference
Every dollar reaches the people who need it
Because the BDA is run entirely by volunteers who cover their own costs, 100% of your donation goes directly to the children, families and women in our projects.