We are a small group of passionate Australians dedicated to helping support the underprivileged people in the impoverished area of Bodhgaya, India. We believe education is the key - empowering communities with the knowledge they need to make meaningful and sustainable change.
Our work began in 1993, from a tent, offering basic education to underprivileged children. From those beginnings grew the Prajna Vihar School, which today educates around 600 children across two brick buildings, with sixteen staff. It costs roughly A$90 a year to educate one child. The school has no religious affiliation - its Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and Christian teachers work side by side.
Alongside the school, our support extends to:
- Medical aid for poor communities
- Rural schools for village children
- Micro-financing for women's groups
- Skills training in impoverished villages
The BDA has been incorporated since 2001 as a voluntary organisation that covers its own operating costs - which is how we ensure 100% of your donation goes directly to those in need. In 2020 we were granted Australian Registered Charity status with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) endorsement.